Skip to main content

Full text of "A biographical history, Porter County, Indiana, 1976"

See other formats 


a 


A Biographical 
History of 
Porter County 


A Project of the 
American Revolution 
Bicentennial Committee 


of Porter County 


Bey 4 : | | , ts é “4 A i ie . * % x + 
Ny, me . | ; F oo toh ee ee sta ES We BT AS 4 
als wm RIT ORS thea iy , jaa ae.S 

2 Be i. == 


* 
— 


a 


Ry 
+ weg in’ ae '@ 


"aaa eee 


The Bicentennial wagon train passed through Valparaiso 
on its way to an overnight stay at the fairgrounds. 


BICENTENNIAL 


A BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 


PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA 


1976 


Published By The 
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 
of PORTER COUNTY, Inc. 


Dolores J. Dean, President Richard Laube, Vice-President 
Mary Jane Aylesworth, Secretary John R. Schnurlein, Treasurer 


Bicentennial History Book Committee 


Keith Reinert, Chairman 
Terry Dietz, History Chairman 


LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 


3 3113 02122 0431 


This is the invitation which, together with notices in Porter County News Media (similar to the one reprinted below) 
resulted in the responses which totaled sufficient interest to publish this book of approximately 300 family histories. . . 


The addition of an old Porter County history and more current histories from five Porter County Cities and Towns 
caused a slight delay in the delivery date originally planned for July 4, 1976; however we hope readers will agree this 
addition has added a meaningful dimension worth waiting for... 


1776 - 1976 


BOX 1776, VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383 


[Aj We are going to publish a biographical history of Porter County. This Onl g. 
ov se book must be written in 1975 to be ready for 1976, the Bicentennial Year of iG? 
| ot the American Revolution for Independence. YOUR FAMILY PICTURE will be in- g, g 
eS cluded in this book FREE. A biographical story of YOUR FAMILY will be included in 7.18" 


this book FREE. But YOU need to act now or in the very near future. The deadline for re- 
ceiving pictures and stories by the Bicentennial Committee is Labor Day, Monday, September 1. 


Now that you know what we are going to do, would you please take the time to write a page or so describing 
your present family by listing your names, how you came to be a resident of Porter County, including any accounts 
of your life or work or growing up or going to school or dealing with problems or belonging to churches or or- 
ganizations or anything else you would like to have written in the BICENTENNIAL HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY. 


Send your (preferably) typed, double-spaced story and a current family picture, if available, to Porter County 
Bicentennial History, Box 1776, Valparaiso, Ind. 46383, before Labor Day, Monday, September 1. 


If you have any questions or need any help in getting any of this done on time, call any of these numbers: 
462-1105, 996-3633, 996-3962, 762-3300, 762-1435, or 926-5513, whichever is a local call from your home. 


A limited number of these books will be printed. If you want to be sure to get one, you may send your check 
along with your story and picture. Checks should be made payable to Porter County Bicentennial History Book. Pre- 
publication price is $20.00. Your history will be included in the book whether you order or not. 


Since not everyone will receive this notice or read about it in the paper, we are counting on you to tell your 
friends, relatives, and neighbors about this great project. Everyone can be included in this deluxe volume — just 
SEND A STORY. 


TYPICAL NEWS RELEASE MID-YEAR 1975... 


Histories of County Families Are Sought 


Local banks are assisting the County 
Bicentennial Committee in a program of 
gathering family histories and pictures to 
be included in a history of the people of 
Porter County. 

Banks are mailing 40,000 announce- 
ments with their bank statements to county 
residents who are being asked to compile a 
concise account including names and dates, 
reasons for living here, schools attended, 
methods of earning a living, transportation, 
dealing with problems, and any other in- 
formation that will contribute to an interest- 
ing history. 


“Editing by the committee will be min- 
imal,"" a spokesman said. ‘‘Persons who 
write and submit the biographies will 
be specially acknowledged in the book. 
Fame, wealth, and longevity are not pre- 
requisites to being included in the book. 
Every family story and portrait will be used. 
However, false modesty is not invited, 
either.” 

The finished volume will be a_ limited 
edition. Orders may be placed when stories 
and pictures are sent. All materials and 
orders should be addressed to the Bicen- 


tennial Committee, Box 1776, Valparaiso. 
All questions regarding the project may be 
answered by a local phone call to one of 
the following numbers: 462-1105, 996-3633, 
fa 762-3300, 762-1435 and 926- 

The committee suggests that readers clip 
and save this story as a reminder. The 
deadline by which they need to receive 
stories, pictures and orders is Labor Day, 


_ Sept. 1, so that the finished volumes can 


be delivered as part of the United States’ 
200th birthday celebration. 


DEDICATION 


CHARLES S. McGILL, Chairman, Executive Committee 
McGill Manufacturing Company, Inc. 


MANY CITIZENS, ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT 
PORTER COUNTY GAVE UNSELFISHLY OF THEIR TIME AND TALENTS TO 
MAKE THE PORTER COUNTY BICENTENNIAL OBSERVANCE A SUCCESS. 
APPRECIATION IS GIVEN TO ALL WHO HELPED IN THE COUNTY, CITIES, 
TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS OF PORTER COUNTY... 


TYPICAL OF THIS DEVOTION TO THE NATION’S 200TH ANNIVERSARY 
CELEBRATION IS LONG-TIME VALPARAISO INDUSTRIALIST AND CIVIC 
LEADER CHARLES S. McGILL AND THE McGILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 


MR. McGILL SERVED AS VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE OF PORTER COUNTY FOR TWO YEARS. HE 
HAS HELPED IN MANY WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND SUPPORT THE COMMIT- 
TEE. ALL REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE HELD IN THE 
McGILL CONFERENCE ROOM. ACCORDINGLY, THE COMMITTEE RENDERS 
THIS SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL DEDICATION AND SALUTE... 


THIS IS THE BROCHURE USED TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PORTER COUNTY BICEN- 


TENNIAL COMMITTEE... 


1776 - 1976 


YOU ARE INVITED: 
To be a part of your community’s plans... 
To unite with others in programs... 
To help instill in our citizens a greater 
appreciation of those blessings won by 
the Founding Fathers... 
To become a part of nationwide efforts 


being made to observe OUR birthday... 
|. INTRODUCTION AND OUTLINE OF PURPOSE 


“A Past to Remember —A Future to Mold’’, that is 
the designated theme of the 1976 BiCentennial celebra- 
tion. It will be celebrated at all levels and locations, 
federal to city, Maine to California. Planners have sug- 
gested that thought be given to the’ past (Heritage ‘76), 
the celebration itself (Festival U.S.A.) and the future 
(Horizons '76). It is the goal of the Porter County Bi- 
Centennial Commission to plan projects and events 
appropriate to the theme and suggested plan. It is a 
time for all of us to take an opportunity to re-orient 
ourselves, to reflect on a proud heritage and to inject 
that heritage into plans and events just over the horizon. 


BOX 1776, VALPARAISO, INDIANA 46383 


ll. THE COUNTY COMMITTEE (P.C.A.R.B.C.) 


Planning need only be as elaborate as an event warrants 
and that means an all out affair when the event is the 
celebration of 200 years of freedom. In keeping with 
the magnitude of the planning, Porter County began in 
1972 to establish a planning group now known as the 
American Revolution BiCentennial Committee of Porter 
County. Its organizing president was Mrs. Robert An- 
derson who served during 1973. 


CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS 


Mary Jane Aylesworth (Secretary) 
Dorothy Crampton 
Dolores J. Dean (President) 
Kathy Hansen 
Richard Laube 
Charles S. McGill 


Martin Miller 


(Vice Pres.) 


Douglas Pierce 
Keith Reinert 
James Rose 
John Schnurlein (Treasurer) 
Chuck Wheeler 

The Committee is divided into four main committees 


whose responsibilities are defined by the title. Divisions 
are: 


1. Finance 
2. Project 
3. Publicity 
4. Research 


YOU ARE INVITED to be a part of YOUR county’s plans. 
YOUR help is needed to unite with others in programs, 
to help instill in everyone a greater appreciation of those 
blessings won by the Founding Fathers and to become 


part of nationwide efforts being made to observe OUR 
birthday. 


Hl. PLANNING 
Plans for projects and events will include the following: 


1. Organize & coordinate local committees, events & 
interest in Porter County 

2. Design historical map of county for publication & 
touring 

3. Develop markers & register for century homes & 
buildings 

4. Encourage painting of barns and titling some with 
family name and date farm was established 

5. Plan fund-raising projects 

6. Purchase replica of liberty bell for county wide 
display 

7. Encourage gala July 4th weekends throughout Por- 
ter County 

8. Support a heritage square including Old Jail, Opera 
House & Sheriff's home 

9. Encourage archeology teams to document Indiana 
mounds and encourage preservation of the same. 
Study Indian heritage. 

10. Encourage all county agencies, business, churches, 
etc., to compile histories to be recorded at source 
center such as library, museum and/or newspapers 

11. Compile in book form a general county history to 
be sold to interested residents 

12. Provide the forum for interested citizens & organi- 
zations to plan for Bicentennial involvement 


Other projects may be added as ideas are presented and 
people are willing to assume the responsibility for the 
project. 


IV. The ARBC — City & Town 
With the formation of five city/town committees, local 
history, parades, pageants, and a wide variety of Bicen- 


tennial observances are now being planned. 


The following persons are chairing the committees: 


a | ee a eS ae Lee Buchanan 
OMS fc wets bw s Poh Carl Hefner & Jim Rose 
POFIAGG |. cose aaa Wha oe alee as Kathy Hansen 
Portus Porter COs 1.05.5 5Fe sia cds Bill King 
WEIOPIOISO «os cau capeces George Pavicic 
Washington Township ....... Jeanne Fabian 


The Porter County ARBC meets the 4th Tuesday of the 
month at the McGill’s conference room, 909 Lafayette, 
Valparaiso at 7:30 p.m. YOU ARE MOST CORDIALLY 
INVITED TO JOIN US. 


A BRIEF REFLECTION ON BICENTENNIAL PLANNING LISTED ABOVE .. . 


In the immediate afterglow of the many Bicentennial Plans, it appears 1976 did indeed offer something of a 
unique observance for those who chose to take advantage of it. Bicentennial Committees worked long and hard all 


over Porter County and the County Committee did coordinate many of these events at its monthly meetings. A 
historical map was designed and circulated with the cooperation of the Westchester and Valparaiso Chambers of 
Commerce. Century homes were appropriately marked when desired by their owners. Fund-raising projects were 
generously supported. Area financial institutions donated a replica of the Liberty Bell. Hebron, Kouts, Portage, 
North Porter County, Valparaiso and Washington Twp. all had meaningful celebrations, most with parades. A tour 
of heritage square was sponsored in cooperation with the Indiana State Architectural Heritage Committee. An In- 
dian Heritage talk was given. Many historical articles were presented by area news media. This history. book 
has been completed and last, but not least all Porter County citizens were given a forum to discuss and plan for 
related Bicentennial events. A few of the additional events will be discussed in the officer review section of this 
book... 


MANY PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED IN THE BICENTENNIAL ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT PORTER COUNTY. HERE ARE 
A FEW REPRESENTATIVE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE JANUARY 1976 ARBC MEETING... 


ARBC County Officers: Dolores Dean, President; John Schnurlein. Treasurer; and Mary Jane Aylesworth, Secretary. 


The North Porter County, Valparaiso University, and National Park Service (Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) were 
also represented at many county meetings .. . thus the forum for an exchange of ideas and Bicentennial programs 
was made available to any and all who worked on the various events and to the media which covered the ARBC meetings. 


Hebron Committee: Front Grace Taylor, Mary Jane Aylesworth, Valparaiso Committee: George Pavicic (deceased), President; 
Carol Dickinson, Rear Joyce Porter, Lenore Norris, Marilyn Tysen. Nancy Lahti, Secretary; George Nash, Vice-President; Charles 
Welter, Treasurer. 


amit LITO ty, 
aS 


Z 

mi 

= 
ce 
~ 


Chairpersons: Terry Dietz, History Book; Mary Kingsbury, Publicity; 
Connie Felten, Bicentennial Ball; Roberta Pierce, Speakers Bureau; 
John Worstell, Fountain. 


Representing the Washington Township Committee, Jeanne Fabian 
panes a publicity banner with County ARBC President Dolores 
ean. 


Portage Committee: Joe Blackwell, Treasurer; Kathy Hansen, 
Chairman; Mary Ann Rockhill, Secretary; Tom Rogers, Vice- 
President. 


FROM THE SECRETARY 


A Porter County meeting sponsored by the Historical 
Committee of the Valparaiso Rotary Club, of which my 
husband is a member, met in Valparaiso in December 
of 1973. Several phases of historic preservation were dis- 
cussed. A Porter County Bicentennial Committee was 
formed. My name was on that committee. 

| attended the first meeting of the Porter County 
American Revolution Bicentennial Committee on January 
16th, 1973. Officers were elected at that meeting: Mrs. 
Robert Anderson, Chrmn.; Mr. Russell Willis, Vice-Chrmn.; 
Mrs. John Aylesworth, Treas. and Sec’y. 

Since that time, many people have given much time 
and effort on the many and varied projects that have 
been initiated by this Committee in an effort to remind 
everyone of the 200th Birthday of the greatest Nation 
on the face of this earth. We have tried to involve all of 
the communities in Porter County in some way, by en- 
couraging them to have meaningful activities to remind 
us of our great heritage and to thank God for our Country. 

We set goals back in '’73. | feel that we have accom- 
plished these. This ‘‘Historical Book of Porter County”’ 
should be a lasting memento of this era. It is good for 
us to share our family histories. Many, many people 
went into the making of this County. It is good to know 
that they and their progeny share in the great feeling of 
love for this place we call HOME. 

It has been a privilege for me to serve as Secretary 
of the Porter County Bicentennial Committee for the 
duration. 


Sincerely, 
ay ads" AT 


Mary sak Aylesworth 
Secretary 


the Soltit that Ves On... 


‘ 
ete ae) oe 


e,* . ” 
je ow 
ee 


7 
+ . 
. Ls 
‘ J 


eae ow 


To the hundreds of ‘‘Editors’’ of this history book goes 
our heartfelt thanks . . . Also to the many loyal mem- 
bers of the ARBC of Porter County who typed histories, 
proof-read copy and pasted up galley sheets the thought 
is extended that we’d never have made it without you. 
We're extremely grateful for the help! 

A special thanks to the young people of many Porter 
County Schools who made historical research a class- 
room project during the Bicentennial year. Thanks, too 
to the many senior citizens who contributed their per- 
sonal recollections of family and community history as 
they personally viewed it. We commend the R.S.V.P. 
Retired Senior Volunteer organization for putting the 
original histories in alphabetical order. 


Shot taken of the meeting in January 1976 of the ARBC of Porter County. 


SPECIAL INVITATION 


If reading this Porter County History Book causes you 
to reflect and wish that you too had submitted a family 
history, the American Revolution Bicentennial Committee 
would like to invite you to consider this an opportunity 
to do so. 

We plan on printing a few library copies of a typed 
supplement to this book. Please limit copy to One Page, 
Single-Spaced, Typed copy suitable for Xeroxing . . . Send 
to_John Schnurlein, 1500 Lafayette Street, Valparaiso, 
IN. 46383 no later than June 30, 1977. We'll see that 
copies of the supplement are sent to all Porter County 
libraries. 


Also, careful reading may indicate errors which should 
have been corrected. We’ll gladly attempt to include foot- 
notes for this purpose in the library supplements. 

We also realize that there have been many changes 
in certain of the family histories and in many commun- 
ity, government and civic leadership roles since most 
of the histories were submitted in 1975. These changes 
may hopefully be brought up to date by another com- 
mittee on another meaningful anniversary date for Porter 
County or the Nation . . . to those who attempt this mis- 
sion, we wish the best of luck and express the hope that 
this work presents a meaningful source of information 
. . . both historical and interesting. 


FROM THE TREASURER 


When Congress and the National American Revolution 
Bicentennial Commissicn decided to recommend that 
communities throughout the Nation plan their own 1976 
Bicentennial Celebrations, Porter County citizens rose to 
the occasion. Bicentennial Committees were formed not 
only in the County, but also in all cities, towns, some 
townships, Valparaiso University and the National Park 
Service at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. 

|! was originally asked to join the ARBC of Porter 
County to be publicity chairman. After the fund-raising 
began, it was decided to split the secretary-treasurer 
office and | was elected with Mary Jane Aylesworth con- 
tinuing as secretary. Martha Baepler succeeded me as 
publicity chairman and Mary Kingsbury took over from 
Martha. All of us received excellent cooperation and 
coverage from Porter County news media. 

It was my special pleasure to represent the ARBC of 
Porter County at numerous meetings of clubs, organiza- 
tions, and schools throughout Porter County. Old and 
new 35m.m. slides of Porter County were shown and 
ARBC brochures were distributed. Roberta Pierce, chair- 
man of the speakers bureau, arranged these talks for 
other officers, committee chairpersons and myself. Hope- 
fully they helped to stimulate interest in the Bicentennial 
throughout Porter County. 

In summary, the ARBC celebration in Porter County 
was what each individual chose to make it. Certainly the 
parades, wagon train tour, Bicentennial Ball, pageants 
etc. were of great interest to those who organized and 
attended. Some considered the Bicentennial celebration 
‘over commercialized’ or a ‘“‘Ho-Hum” experience. To 
do so was to lose sight of the many positive things ac- 
complished locally. The wisdom of a variety of celebra- 
tions proved itself here. True some plans were only 
modestly successful and others failed; however by and 
large the event was successful and a rebirth of pride in 
the U.S.A. became increasingly apparent as the Bicen- 
tennial year arrived. It would be sad not to have learned 
from and to have enjoyed some portion of the wide variety 
of Bicentennial activities in the many areas where it was 
celebrated in Porter County. This history book is a Bi- 
centennial tribute to many Porter County families. 

Our Porter County heritage is strong. Porter County 
continues to grow rapidly. We have much here for which 
to be thankful, not the least of which is the opportunity 
to grow and prosper. Face the future proudly . . . while 
the Bicentennial pageantry is gone, our Bicentennial 
heritage lives on... 

John R. Schnurlein, Treasurer 
ARBC of Porter County 


10 


Bicentennial Reflections polores J. Dean, President 


In the early 1970's when the Congress voted to estab- 
lish an American Revolution Bicentennial Commission 
(later to be reorganized as the American Revolution Bi- 
centennial Administration—ARBA), many people would 
say ‘‘Bicentennial? What's that?’’. Part of the national 
enabling legislation set forth requirements for states to 
establish a commission. In 1971 the Indiana American 
Revolution Bicentennial Commission was appointed by 
Governor Whitcomb. 

From the outset of all planning, it was understood 
that the main celebrations were to be concentrated local- 
ly. Yes, there would be special events in the major cities, 
but in the main people would be encouraged to plan their 
celebrations, activities and projects in and about their 
local community. The plan worked! 

Porter County and its communities were in tune with 
the nation and the state. From the beginning, the P.C. 
ARBC strived to get the cities and towns involved and to 
encourage and help where needed to get a local com- 
mittee formed. To the credit of all concerned, our coun- 
ty was honored by ARBA by having 6 Bicentennial Com- 
munity designations: Porter County ARBC, North Porter 
County, Portage, Hebron, Kouts and Valparaiso. This 
honor has a special meaning as it indicated that all these 
committees had bicentennial plans that encompased Heri- 
tage '76, Festival '76 and Horizons '76. In addition, 


From the Vice-President 


In many ways this book of Porter County family his- 
tories represents the alpha and omega of the Porter 
County American Revolution Bicentennial Committee. The 
book was among the very early ideas considered as a 
county project. As a committee, we knew that we would 
not be the agency to sponsor parades, local citizen par- 
ticipatory events, and other 200-year presentations. A 
book of this type records for posterity family participa- 
tion in the development of Porter County. Such a 
compilation then becomes an appropriate function of a 
county-wide committee. As current vice president of the 
committee, | join my predecessors in this office, Charles 
S. McGill and Russell A. Willis, in commending the editors 
and their many volunteer helpers for assembling these 
family stories for perpetual reference. 

On behalf of the entire committee it is appropriate to 
use this opportunity to express, in another capacity— 


Valparaiso University had a committee and the University 
was designated a Bicentennial University. 

The projects taken up by the P.C. ARBC are county 
wide in scope. It is a pleasure to see that they are on 
their way to fulfillment or already completed. 

These endeavors by our county committee have been 
successful because of the foresight, the determination, 
the dedication and most of all, the work done by the 
people of Porter County and especially of those named 
within this book. Without the people of the Porter County | 
Committee and the local committees, our celebrations and 
our lasting remembrances both visual and spiritual, would 
not be. 

My personal involvement has been especially gratifying 
and meaningful. Serving on the initial committee in Por- 
ter County and then on to the Chairmanship, serving as 
2nd District Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the 
Indiana. ARBC have proved to me once again that our 
people do have the spirit, the knowledge, the ability and 
the dedication, as well as the willingness, of their fore- 
fathers who came from near and far to make our great 
and beloved country. May these attributes continue 
through our next one hundred years. 

A SPECIAL SALUTE AND THANK YOU TO ALL WHO 
HELPED MAKE THE BICENTENNIAL A YEAR FOR ALL 
TO REMEMBER. 


finance chairman, sincere gratitude to the many people 
who made contributions to meet the financial needs of 
the committee. Although individual acknowledgement 
appears elsewhere, we should identify the banks of Por- 
ter County, which made possible the acquisition of the 
Liberty Bell replica. The McGill Manufacturing Company 
was likewise a major contributor. 

This book, then, becomes one of the last projects of 
the Porter County Bicentennial Committee. Read it with 
nostalgia. Read it with a determination to project the 
fine characteristics of our ancestors onward to the next 
centennial! 


Dick Laube, 

Vice President 

Porter County American Revolution 
Bicentennial Committee 


2 
‘ 


a}. 


EXTRA BOOK COPIES 


The ARBC of Porter County has ordered a limited 
number of extra copies of this book. If you're interested 
in a copy, we invite you to call Dolores Dean at Strong- 
bow International Travel (464-4851) or John Schnurlein 
at Northern Indiana Bank (462-2151). Copies will be 
available on a call priority basis. No second printing is 
contemplated at this time. 


CITY & TOWN HISTORIES 


Several City and Town histories start in 1936. Readers 
are advised that prior histories were published in the 
1936 Centennial Issue for Porter County published by 
the Vidette-Messenger newspaper. This issue is avail- 
able for research on microfilm at the Valparaiso Public 
Library. 

Certain deletions in the city and town histories were 
deemed necessary by the committee. Space was the 
consideration and there was no attempt to limit or 
change the meaning of the original copy. 


OWT! On 


s\ 
& % 
= ») 
S = 
% = 
he xe 
1776 491° 


Exact replica of the Liberty Bell as seen on display throughout 
the county. 


Only a limited number of punctuation and sentence 
structure changes were made in city, town or family 
histories. 


FAMILY PICTURES 


The Bicentennial Book Committee attempted to select 
what were considered the most representative family 
picture when duplicates were submitted. Notice of the 
procedure regarding return of all pictures will be re- 
ceived with or prior to the issue of the book. 


Editing of the following Family Histories was kept at a 
minimum. Except for a few which exceeded space limita- 
tions, they appear as they were submitted. The variety 
of form and content was intentional and we hope readers 
will understand that no formal outline was given for the 
creation of these family histories. We would like to 
compliment everyone who took the time to prepare their 
family history and also to thank the many people who 
helped the committee organize and distribute this book. 


THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 
OF PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA, Inc. 


12 


AN EARLY HISTORY OF PORTER COUNTY 


BY HELEN MABEL BENNEY 


This brief resume of Porter County history relies mainly 
on the account written by Hubert M. Skinner in 1882. 
No one loved the place of his nativity more than he or 
was more alive to the beauty of its varied landscape, hills 
and dales, rolling prairies, noble trees, sunny pastures, 
watered by winding, spring fed streams, and the solemn 
glory of the wave washed dune land, habitat of the most 
variegated fauna and flora in the world. 

We have no record of Porter County being the per- 
manent abode of the Indians but rather a happy hunting 
ground at certain seasons of the year, as they passed 
around Lake Michigan between Wisconsin and the state 
of Michigan and stopped for indefinite periods to hunt, 
fish, or some believe to visit the medicinal springs in dif- 
ferent parts of the county. They remained, however, long 
enough and in sufficient numbers to attract the attention 
of the French missionaries, travelling from Canada toward 
the Mississippi. In 1672 Fathers Allonez and Dablon 
visited the lake shore. In 1673 Marquette with six fol- 
lowers paddled up the Kankakee. In 1679 about thirty 
men, among whom were LaSalle, LaMotte, Father Henne- 
pin, and the Chevalier de Toni, crossed from Illinois to 
Michigan, probably by the Old Sack Trail. In 1711 many 
Indians embraced Christianity under the teachings of 
Chardon. 

Traders followed the Church men. These were both 
English and French. Both traded ‘‘fire water’’ for furs. 
The missionary Charlevoix, mentions this and the rivalry 
between English and French as the cause of much strife. 
In 1799 the territory passed to the English, one of the 
results of the French and Indian War. The Pottawatomies 
always favored the French. In 1781 Don Pierre siezed 
the lake shore in the name of the King of Spain. This 
occupation was short lived. In 1788 at the close of the 
revolution, the Colonies interpreted the treaty with Eng- 
land as giving them claim to the Lake Michigan shore; in 
1896 Great Britain acknowledged their claim; and in 
1803 Col. John Whistler passed through this country on 
his way to the Chicago River, at whose mouth he erected 
Fort Dearborn. 

From 1816 when Indiana became a state, traders 
passed back and forth from Detroit to Fort Dearborn, 
notably Alexander Robinson and Joseph Baille, the first 
of mixed English, French, and Indian blood, the second 
a pure Frenchman. Finally in 1822 Baille, who had mar- 
ried an Indian girl, made his permanent home at Baille 
Town in Westchester Township, presumably the first white 
settlement in Porter County. 

A stage coach line from Detroit to Fort Dearborn in 
1833 brought settlers in considerable number to the 
county. Jesse William, and Isaac Morgan, Adam S. and 
T. A. E. Campbell, Jacob Fleming, Reason Bell, and Ruel 
Starr were among the number. The Crumpackers, Bar- 
tholomews, Gossets, Paines, WHurlburts, Jacob Wolf, 


Thomas Frame, Jesse Johnston, J. P. Ballard, and Abram 
Stoner came the next year. Many of their homes be- 
came road houses for the entertainment of travelers. 
Some brought in small quantities of goods for sale; others 
turned to milling, blacksmithing and wagon making. By 
1835 all were buying government land, establishing 
homesteads, and setting out orchards. Finley’s ‘‘Hoos- 
iers’ Nest’’ described these homes. 

Wherever a considerable number of people gather to- 
gether boundaries must be marked, laws agreed to, and 
courts established. Porter County was set up~by act of 
legislature January 28, 1836. Provision was made by the 
appointment of Benjamin Saylor as sheriff and by em- 
powering him to order an election of two associate judges 
of the circuit court, one clerk of court, three commis- 
sioners and one recorder. Judges elected were James 
Blair and L. G. Jackson; commissioners, John Sefford, 
Benjamin Spencer, Noah Touts; recorder, Cyrus Spur- 
lock; clerk, George Turner. The new county was named 
for Commodore David Porter, one of the naval heroes 
of the War of 1812. 

In 1836 the first session of circuit court find Judge 
Samuel C. Sample holding court in the home of John 
Saylor, south-east corner of Franklin and Lincolnway, 
first in the front room, later under an oak tree on the 
lawn. Many of the settlers of '33, '34, and '35 were 
among the jurors, which included also Wilson Malone, 
Lewis Corner, Solon Robinson, David Bryant, William 
Trinkle, John Jones, and James Ross. In 1837 a frame 
court house was built on the block west of the present 
court house square by Solomon Cheney at a cost of 
$1,250.00 and a log jail, where the present jail now 
stands, arose in 1838. 

Religious and educational facilities were cherished 
equally with law and trade by the early settlers. The ren- 
dezvous at Baille’s home was the scene of many gather- 
ings, where the Catholic priests instructed both whites 
and natives all through the county. Later such rendez- 
vous were held by the priests. As small hamlets were 
founded in other parts of the county, these were visited 
by home missionaries of many denominations. Miss Mary 
Hammond taught school in a log school house near State 
Road 49 as early as 1835; a circulating library dates 
back to 1837. Religious services were held by the Baptist 
denomination as early as '35 or '36. The present church 
in Valparaiso was organized by Rev. Alpheus French in 
1837. Rev. J. C. Brown, who came to Valparaiso in 1839, 
organized churches at Salem, Tassinong, and Twenty 
Mile Prairie as the Valparaiso church. Bryan Smith has 
in his possession a scrap book of his grandfather, Sylves- 
ter Smith’s, mentioning a Methodist class meeting in 
1835 at Valparaiso. Very early there were preaching 
places also at Morgan Prairie, Kankakee, City West, Horse 
Prairie, Hebron, Salt Creek, and Louis Penock’s home. 


Newspapers, another agency of uplift and intelligence 
in a community, were inaugurated by James Castle's 
Republican of 1842. William M. Harrison and William C. 
Talcott were among the early publishers. 

As mentioned before the stage coach was the earliest 
public conveyance and the Detroit to Chicago line the 
first one to pass through Porter County. Michigan City 
was the market for selling produce and buying supplies. 
lt_was reached by a day of difficult and dangerous travel 
over corduroy roads; later by a plank road. The driver 
generally slept on the floor of the warehouse over night 
and returned home, if lucky, the third day. It was not 
till 1858 that the county seat boasted a railroad. Ruel 
Starr and John Skinner were instrumental in securing its 
right of way for the Pennsylvania. The Lake Shore and 
Michigan Central had crossed the county to the north 
three years before. With the coming of the railroads 
Porter County entered on a new era of progress. To this 
period belong the three institutions of higher learning 
which the people of the county have enjoyed and pro- 
fited by, the Valparaiso Male and Female College, the 
Valparaiso Collegiate Institute, and the Northern Indiana 
Normal School. The first two, established by the Method- 
ists and Presbyterians respectively, were short lived. The 
third still flourishes as Valparaiso University. It was 


founded in 1873 by H. B.-Brown, who bought the build- 
ing of the Valparaiso Male and Female College. His 
school was known the length and breadth of the land for 
the sterling type of citizens it sent into every state of the 
Union. The Dodge Institute of Telegraphy also dates 
back to this period and has made an enviable record 
for itself. 

Following the Civil War many of the beautiful old 
homes in the county were erected; the brick business 
blocks, the Grand Opera House, the Academy of Music 
and Memorial Opera House. Brick churches took the 
place of the old frame structures. The corner stone of 
the court house was laid in 1883. The corner stone of 
the beautiful Catholic Church of Valparaiso the same year. 
Other denominations followed her example. 

The history of modern Porter County dates from the 
World’s Fair of 1893. From that great object lesson came 
the impulse for water works, better roads, and electricity 
in homes as well as public buildings. The telephones and 
automobile followed, moving pictures offered amuse- 
ment within the reach of everyone. Yet amid all these 
distractions Porter County remains a farming community 
with spots of beauty and recreation, which attract travel- 
ers from every state in our land. 


CHESTERTON AND PORTER OF THE TWENTIETH 
CENTURY 


by 


TERRY W. DIETZ 


ogee PREFACE 3s 3: 


This Bicentennial era in American history gives us 
reason to reflect not only upon our heritage, but on the 
changes in things which are close to us, such as our 
communities. In keeping with this reflective spirit, | have 
chosen to write about many of the changes which are 
part of this area’s local history. 

Essentially, this history is an economic-political view 
of Porter and Chesterton during the twentieth century. 
| have placed special emphasis on the period after 1950 
since personal observations indicate an accelerated 
growth within the community. Each reader should be 
aware of the fact that | use an internal model for compar- 
ison to reveal changes within the Chesterton-Porter area. 
Those who attempt an analogy with cities such as Val- 
paraiso or Portage will miss the basic purpose of this 
written effort. 

As a writer, | would be remiss if no mention were 


made of the various people who assisted with resources. 
A special word of gratitude is extended to Mrs. Lila 
Hokanson, Clerk-Treasurer of Porter, and Mrs. Helen 
Wynder, Clerk-Treasurer of Chesterton. Both were ex- 
tremely helpful in providing pertinent town records during 
my research. | also wish to thank the Porter County 
Auditor, Mr. Robert Pierce, for allowing me use of his 
personal files for examination of tax rates over the last 
twenty-five years. Words of appreciation are also in 
order to the Chesterton Tribune which opened its files 
several years ago during the early stages of research. A 
more recent credit must be given to the reference li- 
brarians at the Gary Public Library for their assistance 
with microfilm. | am also grateful for the assistance of 
Mr. Vince Neeley of Midwest Steel and Mr. Robert Ziegler 
of Bethlehem Steel for information on their respective 
industries. My sincere appreciation is also extended to 


13 


14 


Dr. William Downard of Rensselaer, Indiana for his critical 
comments concerning the mechanics and historical con- 
tent of this paper. 


Finally, a special debt is owed to the late Ruth Hen- 
drickson who introduced me to Bicentennial work, and 
my parents for their continuous encouragement on this 
historical endeavor. 


Terry W. Dietz 
Chesterton, Indiana 
April, 1976 
Copyright by Terry W. Dietz, 1976 


Urban growth has been a characteristic of American 
cities for nearly a hundred years. Areas such as Chicago, 
New York, and Los Angeles have grown beyond their 
boundaries of seventy-five years ago to nearly double in 
size and population, thereby coining the term metropolis. 
Considering that the twentieth century has been an 
important period for city expansion, it is obvious that 
small-town America has also grown in large proportions, 
especially when influenced by industry and a large metro- 
politan area. Chesterton and Porter, Indiana, are part 
of that small-town America which has felt the influence 
of industrialization, metropolitan pressures and an influx 
of population. Each town has made its largest expansion 
in terms of economic and demographic growth from 1950 
to 1975. 

The original white settlers in northern Porter County 
were Joseph Bailly and his family. Arriving in 1822, 
Bailly developed his homestead northwest of Chesterton 
which is now preserved within the boundary of the Indiana 
National Lakeshore. Other settlers began arriving in 
1833; the most notable being Jesse Morgan and his 
family. Besides being a major landowner, Morgan had 
the distinction of being the first local postmaster at an 
office called Coffee Creek, which is also the name of a 
river running north of Chesterton. During the period pre- 
ceding Morgan’s arrival, all of northern Porter County was 
plagued by many small developing towns from roughly 
1830 to 1850.1 

In late 1849, the Coffee Creek Post Office was re- 
named Calumet, but due to confusion with a similar name 
in Illinois, a change was made to Chesterton in the early 
1850’s. The name of Chesterton became permanent in 
October of 1869.2 The present town of Porter was 
founded several years after Chesterton under the name 
of Hageman. 

The 1850's witnessed the earliest concentration of 
Swedish immigrants in the area northwest of Chesterton. 
Their primary occupation was cutting timber for the rail- 
roads and local markets. As part of their cultural heri- 
tage, these new settlers placed an emphasis on religion 
and education. In 1857 a Swedish Lutheran church was 
established near the Bailly homestead. The congregation 
was later moved to Porter and is now Augsburg Lutheran. 
Catholics established a congregation in 1857 in Chester- 
ton and also a parochial school in 1869, but later dis- 
continued it when prelates in Fort Wayne could not send 
a chaplain. * Four more churches, Bethlehem Lutheran, 
Swedish Methodist, Methodist Episcopal, and a German 
Lutheran (in Porter) were organized between 1861 and 


1881.* 

In terms of educational facilities, the oldest was the 
Morgan School, located east of Chesterton. Constructed 
of brick, it served as a one-room school educating local 
children. The Chesterton schoolhouse (later called 
Thomas School) was located on the site of the new West- 
chester Public Library and cost $6,000 when built in 
1879.° Hageman School in Porter was one of the first 
brick structures used for education in that town. The 
new Hageman Library now occupies the site of the old 
Hageman building. Presently, the educational system 
for the Chesterton area has incorporated under the name 
of Duneland School Corporation and encompasses West- 
chester, Liberty, Jackson, and part of Pine Townships. 

Besides immigrants, railroads were an early key to 
development of this area. Although it received minimal 
use, the Buffalo and Mississippi was the first line to enter 
Westchester Township. Another road, the Michigan 
Southern, was completed through to Chicago in 1852. The 
Michigan Central tracks came shortly thereafter. Until 
1872 Chesterton was the only rail stop between Michi- 
gan City and Chicago.° 

Incorporating a town has always been one of the major 
factors which conveys a sense of growth and a need to 
expand services to citizens. Chesterton had the unique 
distinction of being incorporated twice. The first try 
came on October 5, 1869, but because of its limited 
size, tax revenues were small and the town ended with 
a debt.‘ The second attempt at incorporation succeeded 
in 1899 when an increase in population and industrial 
growth warranted such a move. Porter originally incor- 
porated in 1908. 

In 1880 the industrial movement in the United States 
made important inroads to Chesterton. C. O. Hillstrom, 
founder of an organ factory, began manufacturing his 
product in 1869 and moved his plant to Chesterton in 
1880. Though the plant failed in 1920, during its 
operating peak in 1892 it employed 125 men.* Brick- 
yards were also an important local industry. Clay de- 
posits produced a valuable source of revenue in the latter 
part of the nineteenth century. Clay in the Chesterton 
area was of a ‘“‘blue rubber’ variety and was used just 
as it came from the ground because it lacked impurities 
such as grit and lime.* The first brickyard began in 
1872, and by 1883 three were in operation. Most of 
these brickyards were located in or near Porter. 

Extolling the virtues of city life was not an uncommon 
occurrence many years ago. Cultural attractions, better 
employment and finer housing were all incentives to 
attract Americans to the city. This spirit of promoting 
urban benefits over rural areas has been termed ‘‘booster- 
ism’’ by several American historians. The booster spirit 
was very prevalent in Chesterton during the late nine- 
teenth century, since this area was destined to become 
a major city aligned with Chicago. The Chesterton Tri- 
bune (originally beginning publication in October of 
1882) became noted for its boosterism under Arthur 
Bowser during his editorship in the 1890's. Chicago 
investors were seriously interested in Chesterton as a site 
for land speculation. A group of Chicago real estate 
men attempted to promote investment in the local area 


around 1892 and went so far as to plat land and streets 
for the new development. As a stimulus for sale, pros- 
pective buyers rode trains out from the city to examine a 
purchase. A Chicago investment company was supposed 
to enter Chesterton, erect a water works, electrical plant, 
and an opera house as part of the new development. The 
investment company, however, was forced into bank- 
ruptcy in 1895 and the proposed development scheme 
never materialized.'” 

National economic trends played an important role in 
the-erea during 1893. The depression of that year was 
a major factor which hindered community expansion. 
Although several factories such as a chair maker, an 
enameling paint firm, and a feather bone company, which 
made articles for petticoats and shirt collars, came to 
Chesterton or Porter after 1892, neither town was to 
see a substantial growth period until the 1950's. At that 
time steel would spur urban growth. Even so, many 
people considered the late nineteenth century as this 
area's most prosperous era since a second incorporation 
of Chesterton took place in 1899. However, Louis Menke, 
a local historian, has suggested that the reasons for a 
second incorporation were not entirely economic by any 
means: 

The area was becoming lawless and unsafe for 
Chesterton's cititens. The dunes were a haven for 
criminals from the Chicago area. County peace of- 
ficers were not able to keep order. Fights were fre- 
quent. Chesterton had a celebrated gun fight in 
1884 in a saloon where Flannery’s is now located. 

It took place between several local merchants and 

a telegraph construction gang. In 1892 the Wabash 

railroad workers came to town one Saturday night 

and fought with townspeople, in the downtown area, 
until J. B. Lundberg quelled the disturbance when 
he shouted: ‘Stop in the name of the Law.”’!! 

Steel has made a tremendous inpact economically on 
northwest Indiana by making this region one of the 
leading industrial centers within the United States. The 
resurgence of Chesterton and Porter as a prosperous 
economic area was being planned in the late 1920's. In 
1930, National Steel Corporation announced their con- 
struction plans for a new mill northwest of the Chester- 
ton area. The property had been purchased in 1929 and 
one unique provision to their mill was a paternalistic 
approach to factory housing by developing a townsite 
to house mill workers.’ These plans were dropped due 
to the Great Depression, and the land remained idle until 
August 18, 1959, when ground for Midwest Steel was 
broken. This new mill was brought into existence as an 
attempt to strengthen National's position in the com- 
petitive Midwest market between Chicago, Indianapolis 
and Detroit. which came to be known as ‘‘the golden 
triangle.’’ To enhance the acceptance of Midwest Steel 
to the community, residents of Portage Township voted 
in the summer of 1959 to incorporate, thus creating 
the present-day city of Portage.’* As of 1975, a finishing 
mill has been constructed on the Midwest site. Expansion 
to a fully integrated steel plant was announced during 
February, 1975, when the company stated: ‘‘The program 
will be the largest single undertaking in the history of 


National Steel.’’'* This new expansion is designed to 
Support yearly steel production of 2.3 million tons. 

The steel industry continued its expansion in the 
Chesterton area when, in 1962, Bethlehem Steel an- 
nounced their intention of building a new steel plant 
along the lakeshore, within Westchester Township. Tem- 
porary building costs were put at $250,000,000, and 
4,500 acres of land was to be included at the new site.’” 
Bethlehem also evinced an interest in ‘“‘the golden tri- 
angle.’’ Market studies indicated a growing need for steel 
in the Midwest and the company wished to capture part 
of that market just as National hoped to do. This mill 
now sits adjacent to the Port of Indiana and the Dunes 
National Lakeshore. Today, Bethlehem is a fully inte- 
grated steel mill, employing 7,000 workers and has an 
annual payroll of $100,000,000.'® 

Just as industrial growth increases, a series of factors 
tend to accompany the process. Events such as an ex- 
panding population, rising financial investments, in- 
creased taxes, and larger town budgets indicate that 
specific localities are experiencing changes. 

Census figures reveal that in 1900 Chesterton's popu- 
lation reached a total of 788. The 1950 census indi- 
cated 3,175 inhabitants with an increase to 4,335 in 
1960.'* Official figures for 1970 show a population level 
at 6,177, which is nearly double from twenty years 
previous.’> Another census characteristic is an increase 
for the number of households in Chesterton. Between 
1950 and 1960 there was a 35.9 percent increase, while 
the difference from 1960 to 1970 expressed a rise of 
48.3 percent.’” Porter has shown an even more re- 
markable trend for population growth by listing 1,458 
people in 1950. By 1960, the number of inhabitants had 
risen to 2,189, and finally 3,058 in 1970, thereby 
doubling its population in twenty years.’ Figures for 
the number of households in Porter are not available 
in census reports. 

Another barometer of economic growth is reflected 
through bank assets. The Chesterton area has two full 
service banks and one savings-loan association. The 
oldest financial institution, Chesterton State Bank, placed 
its assets at $89,279.23 in 1900."') By 1950 total funds 
had reached $2,872,731.68 according to Federal Re- 
serve Reports. A continuous upward trend throughout 
the next twenty-five years brought assets to 
$43,725,324.98.*- A good portion of these increases are 
reflective of branch banking which is used by the Chester- 
ton State Bank. Similarly, the First State Bank of Porter 
has achieved a striking expansion. Organized in 1920, 
the bank had accumulated assets totalling $2,014,187.52 
over a thirty-year period. By 1975 assets peaked at 
$18,895,921.52.** A third area of financial expansion 
is shown through the Northern Indiana Savings Associa- 
tion, formerly the Chesterton Rural Loan. In 1950, assets 
were listed at $1,102,160.68, and increasing to a high 
of $17,124,694.00 by 1975.** Extensive increases for 
first mortgage loans are evident (a five-fold jump) be- 
tween 1955 and 1975 at Northern Indiana Savings. .On 
the other hand, both full service banks indicate a sub- 
stantial rise in the number of loans and a significant 
increase of savings deposits for individuals, partnerships 


15 


16 


and corporations under the liabilities column during the 
last twenty-five years. 

Rising financial investments are only one indication 
of internal expansion. The last twenty-five years have 
witnessed a marked increase of taxes: the price paid for 
city services. A distinction must be made in terms of 
corporate rates—for the daily operation of a town—as 
opposed to the general township levy, which includes 
state, county, and township taxes. Porter's corporate 
tax was $1.84 per one hundred dollars valuation in 1950. 
By 1970, the corporate levy had reached $3.88, while 
taxes payable in 1975 are set at $3.87. In 1950 the 
corporate rate for Chesterton was $1.50 per one hun- 
dred dollars valuation. The 1970 levy rose to $3.05, and 
taxes payable in 1975 show a rate of $3.78. These tax 
levies have been frozen by the state and extra money 
which is needed to run a town must be gained from 
state government or federal revenue sharing.-° 

Town budget expenditures have followed a similar 
rise, but on a much larger scale. Total disbursements 
from Porter's town budget were approximately $35,550.00 
in 1950. The 1960 figure more than doubled to 
$75,518.00, and for 1975 the town is operating under 
an estimated budget of $329,499.00.7° Significant in- 
creases in Chesterton's expenditures are shown by a 
total of $61,271.00 during 1950. as compared with 
an approximate amount of $216,000.00 in 1960. The 
estimated operational budget for 1975 is nearly one 
million dollars. 2* These increases are all reflective of 
rising costs in city services, such as police, streets, 
and park funds. Chesterton had to incur extra debt 
when the town accepted control of a privately-owned 
water utility in 1957 costing $171,000.00. Besides 
the water works. a new town hall was constructed to 
house governmental offices in 1961. and a year later 
Chesterton built new sewage treatment facilities which 
amounted to $600.000.00 in added expenses.** Since 
Porter purchases several utility services from Chester: 
ton. their expenses have kept pace with her sister 
community. 

By far one of the significant developments of Ches- 
terton’s growth was establishment of a zoning commis- 
sion during 1950. In a letter dated January 6, 1950, a 
zoning committee recommended the following to the 
town board: 


1) Zoning is not only desirable but necessary if 
Chesterton is to avoid future undesirable develop- 
ment damaging to property values and general 
community well being. The fact that Chesterton is 
subject to serious railroad. industrial and resort 
influences contribute to the need for zoning. 


2) Zoning will damage none of Chesterton's citizens. 
Presently established land uses could be continued 
in the more restricted zones. Existing residences 
in the less restricted zones would not be exposed 
to any unfavorable influences to which they are not 
already exposed. 


3) Zoning will encourage community development 


by assuring protection to property, by easing the 

problem of getting approval of properties for loan 

purposes and by assuring the continued desirability 
of the community.-* 

After the proposal of these recommendations, a town 
planning commission was established with seven local 
residents on its board. Drawing up a zoning ordinance 
was the first order of business. The acceptance of a 
zoning commission for Chesterton was a landmark decis- 
ion in the history of the town. Future growth has been 
brought under control and potential land use for resi- 
dential as well as commercial enterprises should be more 
favorable. Porter followed the lead of its sister town by 
beginning a serious organizational move towards a master 
plan in January, 1950. With any attempt at zoning, 
Porter would have to consider the question of industrial 
areas versus a suburban or resort community. 

As was previously stated, the Chesterton area has 
experienced economic and demographic growth in several 
ways during the last quarter century. This expansion, 
however, has not been without controversy or ecological 
concern which typically appears once an area takes on 
a somewhat urban character. At the same time steel mills 
were entering the northwest regions of Porter County, 
so, too. was a raging controversy between industrialists 
and conservationists which continues to this day. The 
major argument between these factions has been the 
preservation of sand dunes and beach area along Lake 
Michigan's southern shore, A state park was created 
directly north of Chesterton in 1927 which contained 
2,210 acres and had a purchase price of about one 
million dollars." The Chesterton Tribune commented on 
the purchase by stating: ‘‘Twenty years ago this land 
could have been bought for $10.00 to $20.00 an acre, 
but today the state is compelled to pay from $250.00 to 
$465.00, an average of something like $350.00."*? The 
first attempt at creating a national park for the Indiana 
Dunes surfaced in 1917 under a federal proposal, but 
Congress never appropriated the money. Conservationists 
became even more concerned about the dunes during 
1923. because U.S. Highway 12 was put through in that 
year connecting Detroit with Chicago. As historian Powell 
A. Moore pointed out. most of the opposition to a national 
park early in this century came from local interests in 
the county. These people believed that Porter County 
would be deprived of its industrial development and tax 
revenues.°*- 

By 1966 conservationists and industrialists were given 
some satisfaction on their varying positions through a 
National Lakeshore Bil! signed by President Lyndon John- 
son in order to protect the Indiana Dunes. The steel 
industry was allowed to retain its present property. but 
other forms of industry were prohibited from moving east 
along the shore of Lake Michigan. Land purchased by 
the federal government on all sides of the industrial 
area has provided an effective buffer for the Indiana 
Dunes State Park. as well as a national lakeshore pre- 
serve. To date. controversy surrounding the dunes and 
industrial development has not quelled. Some naturalists 
wish park boundaries to be expanded south, while others 
prefer the present Jines of development. Included in the 


new expansionist controversy is an attempt by Northern 
indiana Public Service Company to construct a nuclear 
power plant near Bethlehem Steel. Issues have developed 
on the nuclear proposal concerning energy needs as op- 
posed to a nuclear accident with catastrophic conse- 
quences locally. The entire dispute actually demon- 
strates a classic case of conservationists versus industry, 
which may truly reflect a national trend concerning the 
preservation of natural areas. 

' Even though a true compromise has not been reached 
over steel and sand, a growing trend towards political 
unity between Porter and Chesterton arose in 1966. Ideas 
for merging the two entities were by no means recent, 
and many new residents to the area have wondered why 
it has never occurred. The first attempt came on Decem- 
ber 6, 1958 and met with a sizeable defeat from citizens 
ir’ both towns, even though suggestions of merger had 
been surfacing for nearly fifty years. A general interest 
for unification began to escalate by the mid-1960’s, 
creating pressures for a referendum on combining Porter 
and Chesterton. Pervasive in the air was a predominant 
fear that Portage would annex Bethlehem Steel’s pro- 
perty and deny a valuable source of revenue to West- 
chester Township. 

In order to stimulate progress on the unification, town 
officials from Chesterton and Porter formulated a joint 
resolution during a meeting which called for assumption 
of all assets and liabilities from both towns, foundation 
of seven wards for political representation, and dubbing 
the newly incorporated area Westchester. Town officials 
also proposed that officials for this new area would be 
elected in November, 1967.*" 

Those strongly favoring unification formed a group— 
The Citizens Committee for the Merger—led by Alvin 
Hokanson to carry forth positive arguments. Their main 
contention was that both towns were together econom- 
ically and socially, so political union was the next logical 
step. Besides, duplication of city services could be 
eliminated and Portage might annex Bethlehem. Editor- 
ially, the Tribune wrote in favor of unification with a 
series of statements outlining all arguments, but placing 
emphasis on positive aspects. Symbolic of a strong feel- 
ing in September, 1966 was the following idea from a 
Tribune editorial: 

Through this unity would come a strength which 
would put the new town in a better position to com- 
bat encroachments from neighboring towns and put 
the residents living here now in a better position to 
control the destiny of this community rather than 
be the battleground of a power struggle among Por- 
tage, Michigan City, Valparaiso, and Gary.*# 

The opposition, however, steadfastly believed that unit- 
ing both towns would increase taxes, place an excessive 
financial strain on the newly incorporated area and spoil 
an inherent small-town atmosphere. On September 7, 
the Porter Town Board released a statement citing six 
reasons why a merger should not take place. Even 
though only four of the five board members signed, they 
reiterated many of the previously-mentioned arguments. 
including a new one: 

Another argument given equal circulation is that 


Bethlehem Steel will be a part of the merged cor- 

poration. This is not true, as Bethlehem officials 

have repeatedly stated they do not want to be in an 
incorporated area.* 

A true curiosity of this unification controversy was 
Bethlehem’s actual position. According to company 
spokesman Robert Ziegler: ‘‘There was no official state- 
ment from Bethlehem concerning this merger.’’ The 
reason for this stance centers on the belief by some 
steel executives that a polarization would result in both 
communities if the company became embroiled in a 
controversy which was essentially a local or internal affair 
between two towns. Unofficially, however, Bethlehem 
experienced anxiety over encroachments from Portage 
and acted on their own once final merger results became 
known.*% 

A major factor favoring opposition could be found in 
political representation which allowed Porter only two 
wards, with Chesterton receiving five. A typically nega- 
tive attitude on merging was expressed by Thomas 
Wagner of Porter. Speaking to a local meeting of inter- 
ested citizens, Wagner speculated that: ‘‘Porter can be 
the new town, the planned town, the 20th century town, 
uninhibited in its progress by the 19th century com- 
mercial philosophy of downtown Chesterton and uncon: 
trolled by those who have vision of industry, but no vision 
beyond industry.’’* 

A series of two public meetings were held in Septem- 
ber, 1966 with local residents given a chance to express 
their views. Each side battled for public attention to 
state the issues involved. A person or persons un- 
known circulated unsigned letters against the merger 
while the committee in favor used a slogan, ‘‘United We 
Stand—Divided We Fall.’’ Seemingly, the Wagner state- 
ment and Tribune editorial exhibit a paranoia within 
Westchester Township. Some residents were truly con- 
cerned over Portage annexations as opposed to those 
motivated by a desire for Porter to develop without deci- 
mating its potential. Both forces generated an emotional 
spirit which may have been unavoidable when the entire 
picture is considered. Final culmination of all arguments 
came with a special election held on September 13 in 
each town hall. The issue of unification was defeated 
by 23 votes in Porter. This election was a marked con- 
trast from an earlier attempt in 1958 when the proposal 
was defeated overwhelmingly by both towns.** 

During August and September residents of Westport 
(present-day Burns Harbor) were discussing their own 
incorporation. For the most part. these citizens wished to 
be free of Portage. When Porter and Chesterton refused 
unification, Bethlehem Steel assumed a more defensive 
role on September 14 by offering Westport 400 acres of 
land for incorporation within its limits to secure a western 
boundary for Westport and the company. The steel firm 
went a step further by agreeing to underwrite town bud- 
gets for several years unti] tax revenues could be ac- 
cumulated for fiscal solvency. One stipulation. however. 
allowed Bethlehem a power of review on town budgets 
during this period of financial support.”* 

When news of the Westport deal surfaced, citizens 
from Porter and Chesterton began circulating new peti- 


7 


tions on holding a second merger vote in late 1966. This 
time the petition movement began in Porter and volun- 
teers circulated through each town attempting to gain 
signatures from ten percent of the voters. Several legal 
questions arose over various issues. One concerned the 
propriety of petitions as opposed to a joint resolution 
from each town board. A second on whether an actual 
ten percent of the voters had signed petitions. Finally, 
the legality of a petition which held for the assumption 
of town debts came under close scrutiny. Most of these 
legal points centered on a state election law passed in 
1921. 

Resolution of these legal entanglements was sought 
through the Indiana Attorney General, but he refused to 
intervene, claiming ‘‘state law did not require his office 
to settle a local problem.’’*® Porter officials then de- 
clined to hold a second election. Those favoring the 
new referendum were stunned and took legal action in 
the Porter County Superior Court. Judge Russell Nixon 
ordered a new election held since he believed the 1921 
law covering election petitions had not been repealed and 
subsequent laws did cover this area. Porter officials 
had concluded otherwise. A new election was held on 
December 27, 1966 and failed again when 63 votes in 
Porter denied a mandate.*! The net results of this failure 
to unite were twofold: first, the creation of Burns Har- 
bor as a town was hastened. On the other hand, this 
whole matter of annexation became a corporate one 
when Bethlehem Steel intervened on its own behalf by 
choosing between taxes for a newly-created town as op- 
posed to the tariffs of an established city. 

Whether Porter and Chesterton unite is a topic which 
may actually defy prediction. In a sense, the destiny of 
northern Porter County was determined nearly fifty years 
ago when National Steel decided to locate in this area. 
By 1962 Bethlehem Steel helped accentuate the decision 
that this locality would receive an industrial trademark. 
Obtaining perspectives on urban expansion though, is es- 
sential for an understanding of this development. 

Historically, the reasons for urban growth may differ 
depending upon the locality. In that same vein, how- 
ever, there are several acknowledged factors which permit 
or hasten urban migrations from cities.*2 Improvements 
in transportation make downtown areas more accessible 
than ever before. Porter County lies in a region that has 
four U. S. highways, two interstate roads, one tollway 
and a series of extensive rail lines which allow for swift 
access to Chicago and points west. Rapid increases in 
automobile ownership have allowed individuals to live 
away from the city and commute to work on improved 
thoroughfares. Production methods in many industries 
now require spacious single-story plants. Consequently, 
many firms seeking expansion decide to choose vacant 
tracts of land for relatively cheaper prices as opposed to 
property within the central city. Surely a prime con- 
sideration for steel locating in northern Porter County was 
the availability of unoccupied terrain. It was much easier 
to drain swamps, level sand dunes and locate near a lake 
for cheaper surface transportation than attempt a con- 
struction project in Chicago or Gary. Still another area 
of change has been the advancement of computer tech- 


nology which allows easy mobilization of data from one 
locality to another. Corporate headquarters now may be 
in a city, while a plant sits miles away. A final measure 
of diversity is that an urban middle class has been 
created as families move from cities to suburbs. 

Each of these dimensions help to illustrate that the 
development of this area in terms of urban growth and 
industry is certainly just beginning. As this century 
progresses, the changes which have transformed a rural 
town into a community with potential city status shall 
continue. The beneficial and harmful nature of these 
alterations will be the contemplation of future historians. 


NOTES 


‘Weston Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard, eds., 
Counties of Porter and Lake Indiana (Chicago: F. A. Battey 
and Company, 1882—reproduced by Unigraphic Inc., 
Evansville, Indiana, 1970), pp. 163-164. 


Powell A. Moore, The Calumet Region; Indiana’s 
Last Frontier (Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Bureau, 
1959), p. 62. 


pid. p. St. 


*Goodspeed and Blanchard, Counties of Porter and 
Lake Indiana, pp. 160-161. 


Sibid., p. 156. 


SLouis Menke, ‘‘The Story of Chesterton,’ The 
Chesterton Retail Merchants Directory, 1949, p. 28. 


‘Ibid., pp. 35-37. 
8Moore, The Calumet Region, pp. 126-127. 


*ibid.,. p. 120. 


10Moore, The Calumet Region, p. 128. 
Menke, ‘‘The Story of Chesterton,’”’ p. 43. 
12Chesterton Tribune, June 12, 1930. 


13Employees Bulletin, Weirton Steel Company, Jan- 
uary, 1960, pp. 2-7. 


14National Steel Corporation, Forty-sixth Annual Re- 
port, 1974, p. 6. 


195Chesterton Tribune, December 3, 1962. 


16|nterview with Robert Ziegler, Community Affairs 
Director, Bethlehem Steel, Chesterton, Indiana, August 
19, 1975. According to Ziegler, 787 employees of 
Bethlehem live in the Chesterton-Porter area, while 2,988 
employees give Porter County addresses. Also see: Law- 
rence M. Preston, The Port of Indiana—Burns Waterway 
Harbor (Bloomington: Indiana University, 1970), which 
gives a detailed history of the struggle for a port near 
steel industries in Porter County. 


17. S. Bureau of Census, U. S. Census Population: 
1900. Vol. 1, Part 1 (Washington, D.C.: Government 
Printing Office, 1901), p. 141. U.S. Bureau of Census, 
U. S. Census of Population: 1960—Characteristics of the 
Population. Vol. 1, Part 16, Indiana (Washington, D.C.: 
Government Printing Office, 1963), pp. 21-22. 


18U. S. Bureau of Census, Census of Population— 
Characteristics of the Population: 1970. Vol. 1, Part 16, 
Indiana (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 
1973), p. 55. 


19Census of Population: 1960, p. 35, and Census of 
Population: 1970, p. 55. 


2°Census of Population: 1960, p. 17, and Census of 
Population: 1970, p. 56. 


21Chesterton Tribune, April 3, 1925. 


22Federal Reserve Reports published in the Chester- 
ton Tribune, January 4, 1951, July 14, 1975. 


23Federal Reserve Reports published in the Chester- 
ton Tribune, January 4, 1951, July 15, 1975. 


*4Statement of Financial Condition published in the 
Chesterton Tribune, January 4, 1951; statement of assets 
as of June 30, 1975, received from Attorney Michael 
Harris, Chesterton, Indiana. 


“>All tax figures are derived from the files of the 
Porter County Auditor and represent research which the 
author conducted on July 29, 1975. 


*6Porter, Indiana, Financial Report of the Town Clerk- 
Treasurer (1950 and 1960). Estimated budget is de- 
rived from the Budget Estimate for Civil Town, 1975. 


“7Chesterton Tribune, January 18, 1951. Chesterton, 
Indiana, Financial Report of the Town Clerk-Treasurer 
1960). Estimated budget is derived from the Budget 
Estimate for Civil Town, 1975. 


*8Chesterton Tribune, February 7, 1957, April 10, 
1962. 


*29Chesterton Tribune, January 19, 1950. 
*°Moore, The Calumet Region, p. 601. 
*1Chesterton Tribune, February 25, 1926. 
32Moore, The Calumet Region, p. 598. 
33Chesterton Tribune, September 12, 1966. 
34Chesterton Tribune, September 9, 1966. 
*>Chesterton Tribune, September 7, 1966. 
36Ziegler interview, August 19, 1975. 


37Chesterton Tribune, September 8, 1966. 


38Chesterton Tribune, September 14, 1966. Voting 
results were as follows: 1,209 votes in Chesterton sup- 
porting the merger with 265 against. Porter had 464 
votes against merging while 441 favored it. 


*9Chesterton Tribune, September 14 ,1966. 
49Chesterton Tribune, October 11, 1966. 


41Chesterton Tribune, November 17, 1966, November 
23, 1966, and December 28, 1966. Fall election results 
indicated 409 votes for unification with 472 against in 
Porter. Chesterton residents voted 785 for, while 170 
voted no. 


*2For an extensive analysis of these areas see: John 
F. Kain, “‘The Distribution and Movements of Jobs and 
Industry,’’ in The Metropolitan Enigma, ed. by James Q. 
Wilson (Garden City, New York: Anchor Books, 1970), 
pp. 1-12. 


HISTORY OF HEBRON AND BOONE TOWNSHIP 


The first history of Boone Township and Hebron was 
written in conjunction with the celebration of the Centen- 
nal of Porter County, 1836-1936. 

This second volume was written in conjunction with 
the celebration of the Bicentennial of our nation. This 
history is a continuation of the first volume and covers 
the period 1936-1976. The history was written by citi- 
zens of the township and compiled by members of the 
1975 Hebron National Honor Society. 


The 1936 history of the town of Hebron describes it 
as follows: 


At the present, Hebron is a comfortable town of 690 


persons. State highways, numbers 152, 2 and 8, 
good bus service, and the Pennsylvania Railroad 
make easy communication in any direction... 
There are about thirty-five business houses of the 
local proprietor type in town. These include lumber 
yards, bank, filling stations and garages, bakery, 
grocery and general merchandise stores, drug 
stores, eating houses and hotel, coal and feed yards, 
blacksmith shop, plumbing establishment, hardware 
store, newspaper, one saloon, theatre and other con- 
cerns. 
According to the 1960 census Herbon had a popula- 
tion of 1,401, in 1970 a population of 1,624, and in 
1980 it has a projected population of 1,800. The 1970 


19 


20 


population for the entire township is 3000. The area with- 
in the city consists of one and one half square miles with 
ten miles of paved roads. According to a 1973 report the 
town had 650 houses of which ninety percent were oc- 
cupied by the owners. The town now has four apartment 
buildings and one motel. The highways through the town 
have remained the same offering good transportation and 
now easy accessibility to 1-65. The rail transportation was 
much better in the 1940’s and 1950's. In those days the 
“‘locals’’ came in each day, one from Chicago and the 
other from Logansport. Four passenger trains made reg- 
ular stops, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. 
The Indiana Motor Bus Company still offers inter-city ser- 
vice. 


One of the greatest changes in the community has 
been the growth of new homes which began after the ter- 
mination of World War |]. The homes were first built in 
the vacant lots in the older sections of the town and then 
in the new subdivisions that began to appear. The first 
of these, started in 1957, adjoined the town on the north- 
west, was comprised of twenty-two acres, and was called 
Crest Knoll by its developer, Virgil O. King. It now con- 
tains approximately fifty homes. During the same time 
Fairlane Drive subdivision was opened by Arne Kaldahl 
in the southwest corner of the town and now contains 
sixteen homes. 


Mr. Lloyd Wiltfang, who started building after World 
War II, has been instrumental in the developing of sev- 
eral rural areas of Boone Township. At Soward’s Corner 
many homes have been built on land formerly owned by 
Ray Schuster. Mr. Wiltfang also developed an area off 
of Highway 53 east on 900 S where he has built thirteen 
homes facing homes built by Robert Fleener. Mr. Wilt- 
fang is presently working on eighty acres that will hold 
forty-three homes eventually. This land is located at 
Keller’s north on 375 W. 


Other subdivisions added to the town within the last 
five years include the Ganz addition which joins the old 
town on the west with forty to fifty homes. The largest 
of all new housing area is Park Place which joins the 
town on the north. It is to eventually contain four hundred 
homes. The water and sewer systems have already been 
installed, and so far twenty-five homes have been com- 
pleted. Future expansion calls for this subdivision to also 
include areas east of the old town limits and south to 
Highway 8 at Cobbs Creek Bridge. 

The business section of Hebron has also changed 
somewhat since 1936. Many new businesses have been 
added making a total of almost eighty now in operation 
in the town and township. In the 1936 history it states 
that most of the businesses were of local proprietor type 
and run by one or two persons. This has changed as 
more and more people are being hired to work in local 
firms. For example, the Porter County Herald now em- 
ploys sixteen people; Burrell Colour, Inc. over fifty; Alyeas 
Garage, twelve; and Patz Supermarket, twenty-four. 

A list of businesses and pertinent information about 
each follows. It is interesting to note here that almost 
thirty percent of the present businesses in the town and 
township have been established since 1970. 


HEBRON TOWN GOVERNMENT 


The first attempt to incorporate the town of Hebron 
was in the year 1874. This was followed by two other 
unsuccessful attempts, and it was not until 1886 that 
the town was incorporated. The venture started with a 
census which was taken by Aaron W. Fehrman on August 
1, 1886, and subsequently a petition was signed by 
seventy-four residents and filed with the county com- 
missioners asking for incorparation. An election was heid 
on October 2, 1886, and a majority of the voters ex- 
pressed themselves in favor of incorporation. 

The local governmental body for the Town of Hebron, 
Porter County, Indiana, is a Town Board of Trustees and 
a Clerk-treasurer. The Town Board of Trustees is com- 
posed of three members, one each elected from one of 
the three wards within the town limits of Hebron. The 
clerk-treasurer is elected at large. 

Being a town rather than a city, nominations for these 
offices are not made by a primary election, but rather 
by a town political caucus. Prior to the end of August, 
each political party wishing to have a slate of candidates 
must hold a caucus with a minimum of twenty voters 
present. The caucus then elects a party committee com- 
posed of officers for the town election and nominates 
candidates for the four elected posts. These elections 
and nominations must then be certified to the Town 
Election Board which is composed of the clerk-treasurer 
and one person from each of the two major political par- 
ties. The Town Election Board then causes the ballots to 
be prepared and supervises the election process and cer- 
tifies the results. In recent years town elections have been 
held each four years with the two major political parties 
each having a slate of candidates. At one time during the 
past forty years, however, there was a citizens ticket com- 
posed of both Democrats and Republicans. There was 
also a period of time during which no elections were held 
because if citizens did not request an election through 
the Town Board, it was not required that one be held. 

The Town Trustees are the managers of the town gov- 
ernment, making decisions pertaining to local govern- 
mental functions, street repairs, lighting, drainage, po- 
lice protection, adopting town laws, governinng the wa- 
ter and sewer departments, hiring town employees, ap- 
proving the annexations to the town, purchasing addi- 
tional town properties, and most recently, approving re- 
zoning within the town. 

The Town Clerk-treasurer is as the name implies, the 
town secretary and bookkeeper. It is the Clerk-treasurer’s 
duty to see to the record keeping of the town, minutes, 
ordinances and resolutions, and to see to the bookkeep- 
ing of the various town funds and appropriations. The 
Clerk-treasurer has no vote on policy decisions, except 
in the case of a tie vote among the Trustees, which can 
only happen in the case of a Trustee being absent. 

Although the Town Board of Trustees is generally con- 
sidered to have full powers to govern the town, it is re- 
stricted by a multitude of laws of the State pertaining to 
the use of funds, the giving of notice to taxpayers by le- 
gal publication, supervision of various state agencies, 
and, most recently, frozen tax rates. 


= 


At the present, the members of the Board are Paul 
Stalbaum, Wayne Fry, James Spurr, and Marcella Mason, 
clerk-treasurer. Each member receives a stipend of $240 
a year. Charles Stineburg, a board appointee, serves in 
three capacities. He receives $4,800 each for being 
superintendent of water and sewer and $2460 as super- 
intendent of streets. For many years Cyril Fickle served 
as street commissioner; but with his retirement in 1974, 
his job was awarded to Vernon Burns, who receives $3.25 
an hour. Mr. Walter Knopf reads the water meters and 
is pair forty cents per meter read. Mrs. Catherine De- 
Fries is the deputy water and sewer clerk and works in 
the Police Department office building which is located 
by the water tower. Her office is open Monday through 
Friday. 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 

Another branch of the town government is the Hebron 
Plan Commission, which is governed by the Zoning ordi- 
nance of 1968, and whose members, Robert Deal, Nor- 
man Keeling, Charles Sweney, and Hollis Butterworth, 
are appointed by the town board. This board is respon- 
sible for the public health, safety, comfort, morals, con- 
venience and general welfare. The Town Plan Commission 
gives careful consideration to the future probable use of 
land in the area and has prepared a Comprehensive Land 
Use Plan showing the future development of this area. 
The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each 
month at 8:00 P.M. in the town hall. The Executive secre- 
tary of the group is Albert Stemble, and the building in- 
spector is Erling Kaldahl. 


The second branch is the Hebron Board of Zoning 
which meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 
8:00 P.M. in the town hall. The members are Robert 
Deal, Mrs. John Anderson, Dick Bell, Hollis Butterworth, 
and Robert Pierce. The town board also appoints the 
members of the Police Department; Max Hessling is the 
Town Marshall, assisted by Jon Rosenbaum, Deputy 
Marshall. 


TOWN BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1935-1975 


1935: Leland K. Buchanan 
Glenn C. Norton 
Guy H. Albertson 

1936: Leland K. Buchanan 
Glenn C. Norton 
Guy H. Albertson 

1946: Bruce Douglas replaced Guy H. Albertson who 
resigned 

1948: Roland Thompson 
Noble Aylesworth 
Maurice Wilson 

1956: George Timson 
Herbert Rosenthal 
Wayne Fry 

1958: Maurice Wilson appointed to replace George Tim- 
son who resigned 

1959: John H. Evans appointed to replace Maurice Wil- 
son who resigned 

1960: Dave Parent appointed to replace Herbert Rosen- 
thal who died. 

1963: Edward Klemz appointed to replace John H. Evans 
who resigned 


1964: Edward Klemz 
Russell Shrider 
Robert Mclintire 
1968: Noble H. Aylesworth 
Robert Nethery 
Arne Kaldahl 
1972: Wayne Fry 
James Spurr 
Paul Stalbaum 
1976: To be determined by election of 1975 


CLERK-TREASURERS, TOWN OF HEBRON, PORTER 
COUNTY 


1935-1975 


1935: Lyell S. Bryant 

1935: Ella Henderson appointed to replace Lyell S. 
Bryant who died 

1948: Bruce Rathburn 

1955: Elmer Bricker appointed to replace Bruce Rath- 
burn who resigned 

1968: Maurice J. Dye 

1972: Charles Grube 

1972: Marcella June Mason appointed to replace Charles 
Grube who resigned 

1976: To be determined by election of 1975. 


HEBRON PUBLIC LIBRARY 


The Hebron Public Library provides library services to 
the residents of the city of Hebron, Boone Township, and 
Eagle Creek Township. 


From 1941 to 1973, Mrs. Jesse Spindler was the chief 
librarian. She was also the instigator of ‘‘Story Hour’’ in 
the early 1940's. This successful program is still sched- 
uled every Wednesday during the month of July. 

In January, 1974, her daughter, Mrs. Phyllis Sanders, 
assumed the administrative duties. 


In 1942, the citizens erected a stone memorial in- 
scribed with the following: ‘‘Hebron Public Library. Ded- 
icated in 1922. This tablet placed in recognition of dona- 
tion received from the Carnegie Corporation.”’ 


The Hebron Library Board of Trustees consists of five 
members. The judge of the Circuit Court appoints two 
representatives from Boone Township, one of them must 
be a woman; the town board appoints two representa- 
tives from Hebron, one of who must be a woman. And 
finally, the Circuit judges of Porter and Lake Counties 
together appoint a representative from Eagle Creek Town- 
ship. The members are appointed for four year staggered 
terms. 

At the present time there are approximately 15,000 
books and 90 periodicals in the library. The circulation 
or items loaned exceeds 25,000. 

An important step took place in 1973: the Hebron li- 
brary became an active participant in the NIALSA (North- 
ern Indiana Area Library Services Authority). 

The Jesse Spindler Children’s Library Fund has been 
established to relocate and have a more extensive chil- 
dren's library in the basement of the present building. 


21 


22 


ELECTRIC 


The modern NIPSCO operation of the 1970's is a 
far cry from the electrical system found in Hebron just 
after World War I. It is interesting to note that in 1919 
the electrical company was located on Indiana Routes 
8 and 231 where the public service company still has 
a transformer bank. The building was made of hollow, 
square tiles, covered approximately 2000 square feet, 
and was easily accessible to rail service which shipped 
in fuel oil by tank cars directly to the power plant. 

The first engine and generator used was a single cy- 
linder Fairbanks Morse 30 H.P. which was driven by a 
ten inch wide leather belt. The stand-by rig was a 9 H.P. 
Fairbanks engine and generator. One of the difficult jobs 
was using a 30 H.P. electrical motor to start a 50 H.P. 
generating plant, and the young operators became over- 
taxed with the tedious work of keeping the voltage over 
90 and the temperature of the engine under 212 degrees. 

Because of a minimum of voltage, street lights were 
used only from dark until 10 o’clock; and all electrical 
service was discontinued after midnight. Everyone was 
notified at 11:50 P.M. by two short cuts in the power 
that power would be shut off in ten minutes. This ‘‘big 
plant’’ was run from dark to midnight, and the stand-by 
rig operated from 6 A.M. to dusk. Because of this rather 
limited service, electrical power was limited to the in- 
corporated limits of the town; but in 1921 electrical de- 
mands grew and a really big plant was shipped in from 
an abandoned coal mine in southern Illinois. It was a 
150 H.P. three cylinder Fairbanks direct connected en- 
gine and generator. At this time the franchise was owned 
by the Monterey Heat, Light and Power Company. 

The 150 H.P. was used from early evening till mid- 
night; the 9 H.P. from midnight till early morning; and 
the 50 H.P. from early morning until evening. 

With the addition of electrical service to the towns of 
Kouts and Boone Grove, the equipment became over- 
taxed and difficult and expensive to maintain; and finally 
the Valparaiso Light Company in 1922 bought the fran- 
chise. Soon the Valparaiso Company was taken over by 
the growing Indiana Public Service Company. The chief 
engineer in Hebron from its beginning to its end was 
Ed Alyea who retired from NIPSCO in 1959. He was ably 
assisted by Earl Hiatt who lived across from the plant 
and who helped operate, maintain, and improve the equip- 
ment until his retirement. 

During the 1930's all electricity supplied to Hebron, 
Kouts, and Boone Grove areas was generated in East Chi- 
cago. The transmission voltage was 3-phase at 13,200 
volts and was transmitted on the line that was built in 
1922 or 1923. It is interesting to note that the route of 
this line is still used today, but the line has been com- 
pletely rebuilt, is not at the same voltage, nor does it sup- 
ply the towns it once did. Hebron is now supplied with 
69,000 volts at the Hebron substation and can be fed 
from either the Malden Substation or Liberty Park Sub- 
station at Crown Point. The Malden and Liberty Park Sta- 
tions are supplied with 138,000 volts from other stations 
interconnected to other generating stations. This system 
of interconnection provides more flexibility and contin- 


unity of electric service than a system with just one 
source. 


TELEPHONE SERVICE 


As far back at 1890, number 10 wide was strung for 
telephone service from DeMotte to Hebron, and in 1901 
Mr. John Ross built the first telephone exchange in He- 
bron across from the Hebron Hotel. 

The telephone exchange changed hands and locations 
several times; and in the fall of 1934, after it had been 
repurchased by J. F. Bruner, the exchange was moved to 
quarters in the James Morrow property on South Main 
Street (this is the present home of the Raymond Cassi- 
dys). : 

On January 1, 1939, the exchange was purchased 
by George Mussman and his son Robert Mussman; and 
in 1944 they purchased the DeMotte-Roselawn Telephone 
Company which became known as the Northwestern In- 
diana Telephone Company, were operated separately un- 
til 1952 when they were merged into the Northwestern 
Telephone Company, Incorporated. 

In 1955 the business was moved to a modern build- 
ing erected on Washington Street, the present site. The 
preliminary planning for this move, which converted the 
system from the antiquated switchboard to a modern 
board system, began in January of 1952. The business 
office did not move until May 1, 1955, to the new quar- 
ters. The switchboard has a capacity to handle 10,000 
lines or about 50,000 telephones in the Hebron and De- 
Motte areas and has eliminated all local operators. Long 
distance is handled by Crown Point and Valparaiso. 

In 1970, with the addition of a modern, unattended 
switching office built in the Lakes of the Four Seasons, 
the Hebron telephone exchange was divided into two sep- 
arate exchanges; the North—which includes the Lakes 
of the Four Seasons, and the Hebron—which includes 
the town and was not changed. 

Future plans include a new building which is to be 
erected next to the present office on Washington Street. 
This structure will include general offices, headquarters, 
and equipment center. 

Mr. Robert Mussman, whose company provides tele- 
phone service to 6200 subscribers, has served as presi- 
dent of the Indiana Telephone Association and as presi- 
dent of the Protection and Advancement of Small Tele- 
phone Companies. 


HEBRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 


In the early history of the township, firefighting was 
done with an old chemical cart which was propelled to 
the scene of the fire by the willing and brawny members 
of the volunteer fire department. In 1915 the depart- 
ment went modern and purchased its first self-propelled 
piece of equipment, a Ford fire truck complete with hose 
and chemical tank. Today the Hebron Volunteer Fire De- 
partment, Incorporated, boasts the following equipment: 
a 1972 Dodge Grass truck (200 gallons); a 1968 Ameri- 
can LaFrance pumper rated 1000 gallons per minute; a 
1958 Chevrolet tanker with a 1450 gallon capacity; and 


a 1923 Ford Chemical truck, an antique used for pa- 
rades. The grass buggy was bought by the firemen who 
raised the funds by various drives and public donations. 
The fire department is funded by the town of Hebron 
and Boone Township; and it carries on a mutual aid 
agreement with Porter, Pleasant, and Keener Townships 
and has a contract to furnish fire services to portions of 
Winfield and Eagle Creek Townships. 

In 1936 Charles B. Lightfoot was the chief of the de- 
partment with Monte Morrow as assistant. Lightfoot re- 
tired on June 1, 1941; and Monte Morrow was elected 
chief and served until his retirement in 1957. He was 
followed by Charles Stineberg; and in 1972, Donald Fry 
took over and is still serving with Leland K. Buchanan 
as his assistant. 

For many years the firemen were alerted solely by 
means of the first siren located on top of the station, but 
in 1960 a telephone system in the homes of the fire- 
men was installed. When the services of the men are 
needed, a citizen merely calls the fire number and is 
automatically connected with eighteen fire phones. This 
system in 1975 was further updated by ‘“‘incoders’’ 
which are portable one-way radios carried on the person. 
They were paid for by donations. 

The present roster of firemen is as follows: Donald 
Fry, Leland Buchanan, Harold Schroeder, James Doug- 
las, Edward Klemz, Russell Franzman, Thomas Alyea, 
Robert Mcintire, Allen Stembel, Dave Wilson, Richard 
Bell, Charles E. Stineberg, Gene Garvey, Russell Shrider, 
Leroy Urbas, Ron Patz, Kenneth Patz, Richard Johnson, 
Leonard Eiler, and Charles Osby. The department is a 
member of the Indiana Volunteer Fireman’s Association. 

All fire equipment is housed in the town hall which 
was built in 1955 and is located just off Sigler Street next 
to the water pumping station. 


HEBRON POST OFFICE 


Although there have been many changes in the Hebron 
Post Office, one thing has remained the same during the 
last forty years, and that is that the Star trucks are still 
bringing the mail twice daily to Gary where it is worked 
or flown to O’Hare or trucked to surrounding towns. 
Starting January 1975, the Hebron postmark was not 
on all mail leaving town. Mail deposited late in the day 
is sent to Gary uncancelled. There it is cancelled and 
sorted on LSM letter sorting machines, which were put 
into operation in 1974. These changes have come about 
since the Postal Department became a private business. 

Until 1963 a train catch-it pouch was used to transfer 
mail eastward in the early afternoon. Local men contract- 
ed for this job of hanging the pouch at the depot and re- 
ceiving a throw-off pouch from the Chicago, Richmond, 
and Cincinnati train 71. George Carr and James Mc- 
Luckies held this job over the eight years of service. 

The Hebron Post Office has occupied the same build- 
ing since 1921. This building is now owned by Earl Os- 
by Jr., who bought the building in 1971 from the Knights 
of Pythias Lodge. The office has been remodeled making 
a smaller lobby and larger working area. In the 1960's 
natural gas heat had replaced coal, and since then air- 
conditioning has been installed. 


The Hebron Postmasters have been: 
1921—39 ... Victor Gidley 


1939—41...Ella Henderson—Acting Postmistress 
1941—47 ... Grover Wilson 

1947—49 ... Alden Blood—Acting Postmaster 
1949—68 ... Oliver Weddle 

1968—70... Kenneth Antrim—Clerk-in-Charge 
1970— . Kathryn Wiltfang 


The routes have expanded greatly since 1937. Route 
#1 was 55.60 miles and by 1974 encompassed 89 miles. 
Route #2 grew from 46.67 miles in 1937 to 78 miles in 
1974. The Post Office services 4,516 people according 
to the 1974 count. Add to this the hundreds of new 
homes built in this area, Apple Valley Trailer Park, and 
Gas-Lite Mobile Park. 2 


MUNICIPAL WATER 


The Hebron Water Company, which was formed in 
January of 1914 by George Riley, J. R. Wilson, and Olo 
E. Nichols, adequately met the needs of the community 
for many years. In the 1930’s very few changes in the 
water system were recorded. In 1932 copper tubing was 
used for the first time for service lines between water 
mains and house connections, and in 1934 the local 
town board authorized the drilling of a new well in the 
public square at the present site of the Methodist Church 
and Scout cabin. This second well, although never an 
abundant producer, did improve the water supply as it 
was alternated every other week with the first well. 

But the most outstanding feature of the water system 
was the relatively inexpensive water rates. Meters were 
checked on a quarterly basis, and the average bill in 
1936 was $1.50 per quarter or fifty cents per month. At 
this time, homes were still using archaic water facilities; 
a cold water tap at the kitchen sink, very few appliances 
for heating water, no indoor water closets, and no tubs 
with hot and cold water. 

As the community began to feel the first signs of pros- 
perity since the depression, new water-consuming devices 
were installed in existing homes; and, consequently, new 
demands were made on the local water system. The two 
30,000 horizontal pressure tanks installed in 1914 were 
causing great dissatisfaction among customers who com- 
plained about hard water and high iron content. 

But, as it is with many public facilities, much talk 
and many years were needed to bring improvements; 
and these improvements would have been virtually im- 
possible without an influx of new money gained either by 
direct taxation or by bond issue, because the revenue 
from the existing water sales at the regular rate set by 
the ICC did little more than pay existing operating and 
maintenance expenses. Thus, in the 1940’s the water 
rate was raised to $1.50 per month, and a status quo was 
maintained with very little improvement in the 1950’s 
with the exception of a few hundred feet of new water 
mains and a few new fire hydrants being installed. 

In 1962 a progressive town board, consisting of Wayne 
Fry, Dave Parent, and Jack Evans, contacted an engineer, 
R. J. Noble, and the water improvement plan became a 
reality with blue prints drawn up and the board ready to 
open the bids on the project. 


23 


24 


This board was also aware of another problem which 
first became evident in 1958: the septic tanks and anti- 
quated tile pipes carrying off water were not adequate. 
Conservationists noted the extinction of minnows in the 
streams and that wild life and cattle would no longer 
drink from these areas affected by the town pollution. 

But water for the people was of paramount priority; 
and so a new water plant with clorination for protection, 
filters for iron removal, softeners for exchanging sodium 
for calcium, another well, a one hundred thousand gal- 
lon storage tank, hundreds of feet of new water mains, 
and replacement of old minimum-size street pipes were 
just a few of the initial improvements which were imple- 
mented by contracts with Cole Engineers, Boyd Construc- 
tion Company, and Knapp Construction Company. These 
companies provided a more than efficient job which 
cost $200,000 to be raised by a thirty year bond issue. 
These water mains were completed and were operating 
in the fall of 1962, and to this day have caused a mini- 
mum of problems. 

The board now faced the sewer problem; and in 1969, 
after much discussion and numerous mandates from the 
Indiana State Board of Health, the new sewage system, 
which consisted of nine miles of eight, ten, twelve, and 
fifteen inch sewers, was laid in town streets and alleys. 
Due to terrain condition it was necessary to install lift 
or pumping stations at two points: one at Highway 231 
at the south city limits and the other in Frame’s Sub- 
division on West Sigler Street. These pumping stations 
augmented considerably the cost which was borne by a 
twenty-seven year bond issue of $545,000 and Federal 
and State grants for major portions of the job. Sewers, 
manholes, and lift stations added up to $260,000, and 
the plant and site areas brought the total cost to a three- 
quarters of a million dollar bracket. The first connection 
permit was issued to John Gray of Frame’s Subdivision 
on October 10, 1970. 

The present treatment plant consists of two clarifier 
digesters of twenty-six feet diameter, one forty-four foot 
trickling filter, one thirty-nine foot final clarifier, and 
one clorination tank. This plant is located on approxi- 
mately eight acres located south of the Penn Central 
R.R. on Cobbs Creek. The projected capacity of the plant 
is 325,000 G.F.D., and there soon will be the necessity 
to add a third stage treatment tank to up-date this fig- 
ure. Today the cost of cleaning used water in the Hebron 
area is three times the cost of producing it from a clean, 
natural source. 


PORTER COUNTY HERALD 


Hebron’s paper, which was first published in 1878 
and had the title of the NEWS PRESS, has been pub- 
lished under different names. Since 1900 there have 
appeared the HEBRON NEWS, THE HEBRON HERALD 
and the present PORTER COUNTY HERALD. 

In 1936 the editor of the PORTER COUNTY HERALD 
was Mr. Martin Tornquist, who in 1941 built the modern 
building on Main Street and moved the newspaper of- 
fices into it. The newspaper is presently housed in this 
same office building, although in 1952 a large addition 


was built on the east end. Under Mr. Tornquist’s editor- 
ship there were two part-time employees, Marjorie (Fax- 
on) Riggs, three days a week and George Garver, two 
days a week. The PORTER COUNTY HERALD was then 
a four page weekly newspaper with 580 subscribers. Mr. 
Tornquist also did a small amount of commercial print- 
ing. 

In early July of 1948, Maurice and Catherine Mason 
purchased the building and business. Since that time 
the subscription list has grown to two thousand and the 
paper consists of twelve to sixteen pages weekly. There 
are presently nine full-time employees. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mason both work at the newspaper office; and Russell 
Franzman, who began work with the newspaper in 1949, 
has served as manager for twenty-five years. Mr. Ma- 
son is editor and publisher. 

On July 14, 1950, the management of this newspaper 
published the first edition of the Kouts Times and has 
retained ownership of this weekly newspaper. It has a 
subscription list of more than one thousand and averages 
ten to twelve pages weekly. 

In 1962, the newspaper changed its publication pro- 
cess and became one of the first weekly newspapers in 
the state of Indiana to start publishing by the offset meth- 
od of printing. This was a completely different process 
that required an outlay of a considerable amount of mon- 
ey for the new equipment. 

Besides changing the printing process of the newspa- 
per, the owners also added new offset printing presses 
and related equipment to their commercial printing. They 
are now able to offer their customers both letterpress and 
offset printing. 

Both newspapers belong to the Hoosier State Press 
Association, the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association, 
and the National Newspaper Association. Mr. Mason is a 
past president of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Asso- 
ciation and has been an active member of the HSPA. 


BOONE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS 


In 1936 Boone Township students were still occupying 
a building that had been built in 1914 and was located 
on Adams Street, the present site of the Dinsmore Apart- 
ments. The school building contained eleven classrooms, 
a combination auditorium and gymnasium, a laboratory, 
and a shop room. In the spring of that year the state fire 
commissioner’s report called for many improvements 
which were virtually impossible to carry out. Mr. G. War- 
reen Phillips, principal of the school said, ‘‘The people and 
the school officials of Boone Township are facing a prob- 
lem at the present time, which demands careful and 
thorough thought and planning in light of the school and 
community needs the the next fifty years.”’ 

The first planning began with the acquisition of eleven 
acres of land in the southeast part of Hebron, the present 
site of the Boone Township schools. This land, which was 
acquired in September of 1937 from Dr. R. P. Blood by 
the township trustee, Harry Williams, cost $2,500. Three 
acres from the John Wilson estate which faced Main 
Street were later added to the future building site. 

Plans were then consummated for the new school 
building which was begun on November 15, 1938, and 


completed in two hundred and eighty-five days, forty 
days under the alloted time. The cost of this new school, 
which was funded as a federal aid project was $172,726: 
and $77,726 was provided by the Public Works Admin- 
istration. 

The building, first occupied in September of 1939, 
was described in the local newspaper as having forty-six 
rooms which would accommodate five hundred pupils. 
Each room was designed to hold forty-five students and 
was equipped with the latest tablet-armed chairs. The 
building was of brick and steel materials that made it vir- 
tually fireproof and contained two main entrances, one 
for grade children and one for high school students. 

At that time this was the only school in Indiana to 
have a complete public address system with the talk- 
back feature. The general contractor was Olson and Chris- 
tianson, H. H. Bartels was the electrical contractor, C. |. 
Botteron was the architect, and plumbing was furnished 
by the Valparaiso Plumbing Company. 

At the completion of this 1939 school building, some 
citizens felt that the addition was just too large for the 
needs of he community, but in 1956 the community was 
again faced with the problem of over-crowding; and the 
board under the direction of Trustee, Leland K. Buchanan, 
began to plan for new facilities. In 1959, a new trustee, 
Russell Franzman, and his advisory board, Mrs. Harry 
Corwin, Maurice Wilson, and Robert McGinley, began ear- 
nestly to carry out these plans for a new grade school 
building. 

The new facility was designed by Warren Holmes Com- 
pany of Lansing, Michigan, and consisted of six class- 
rooms, kitchen, multi-purpose room, rest rooms, offices, 
sick room, storage rooms, and boiler room. 

The estimated cost was $180,000, and financial ar- 
rangements were as follows: $50,000 was taken from 
the Cumulative Building fund; $70,000 was raised from 
Boone Township School Building Bonds, and $79,000 
was raised by Boone Township School Aid Bonds. The 
bonds were sold to City Securities Corporation of Indian- 
apolis at four percent interest. 

The general contractor was Van Keppel Construction 
Company of DeMotte; and other contracts were let to 
Hanlon Electric Company of Cedar Lake and Valparaiso 
Plumbing. The final cost came to $185,744, including 
$3,559 in options. The construction of the building be 
gan on May 12, 1959, with expected occupancy by Christ- 
mas; but due to difficulties in obtaining supplies the first 
three grades did not move in till January of 1960. 

Immediately, the township board began planning an 
addition to this new building. The new wing was to util- 
ize the same boiler room and kitchen. It was to be financ- 
ed by taxes; a cumulative building fund was then estab- 
lished at $1.25 per $100 assessed valuation. This 
brought in enough money to pay for the second construc- 
tion which was started in December, 1962, and consisted 
of an office, library, bookstore, six classrooms, and rest 
rooms. This wing was built under the administration of 
Trustee, Howard Dillabaugh, and Van Keppel Construc- 
tion Co. of DeMotte was the contractor. 

A second wing in September of 1968 was added to 
the grade building by Trustee Dillabaugh with Keith 


Reinert of Hobart as Architect. This new wing consists 
of six classrooms, two special education rooms, rest 
rooms, and a store room. The general contractor was 
Moredich Construction Company of Hobart. 

The new grade building with its two wings greatly alle- 
viated the over-crowding in the lower grades, but the 
high school which was still occupying the 1939 building 
was in dire need of space. Every possible area was being 
utilized to capacity. A sand crawl space under the audi- 
torium was excavated and the cafeteria moved into this 
area. The old cafeteria, directly under the present home- 
ec rooms, was then converted into two classrooms. One 
English class, due to this lack of classrooms, even met 
at seven A.M. 

Repeated requests were made to the state for permis- 
sion to build, but all were turned down until word was 
officially recieved from Mr. Morrison, Division of School 
House Planning, that on the basis of action taken by the 
Commission on General Education on November 17, 
1971, Superintendent John J. Loughlin, had granted ap- 
proval of Boone Township School Corporation’s request 
to construct an addition to its present facilities. 

A public holding corporation was then formed with 
Ted Fitzgerald appointed as legal advisor. The architec- 
tural firm of Noland and Clark drew up the plans that 
were accepted by the state on August 16, 1972. The gen- 
eral contractor was Van Keppel Construction with sub- 
contracts going to Beverly Heating, Hobart Pluming, 
and Town and Country Electrical Company. 

The new middle school addition which has doubled the 
square footage found in the old building is a two story 
brick structure built on the northeast side of the existing 
high school. The elementary building is connected to 
the new facility by a ten foot wide hall, and the old high 
school is connected by the enlarged gymnasium and hall- 
ways. 

The new gymnasium has a 1,700 seating capacity and 
features bleachers that will seat 450 along the north 
and south sides and balconies along the east and west 
sides. The new east balcony has folding bleachers that 
allow maximum use of the balcony area for multipurpose 
activities. A rifle range, constructed of one-fourth steel 
plates, has been built on this area. This balcony will also 
be used for school dances, weight machines, gymnastic 
equipment, science fairs and other school and commun 
ity functions. 

The new addition is completely air-conditioned and 
contains a two hour emergency battery-operated lighting 
system. The floor plan includes choir and band suites; 
an art complex; a science suite which includes area for 
biology, laboratories, physical and basic sciences; a busi- 
ness suite which includes an intensive lab area, a typing 
room, and a basic business classroom; and special class- 
rooms. 

The exterior facilities include a blacktop area located 
on the south side of the school with parking capacity 
for five hundred cars. Parts of this blacktop area have 
been made into playground blocks including two full 
courts which can be used for basketball, tennis, and vol- 
leyball. East of the building, the board has purchased ten 
acres which will be used for an elementary playground 


25 


26 


and general recreational area”including a third baseball 
diamond. In the far southeast area of the new land pur- 
chase, an outdoor rifle range is now under construction. 

This high school addition, which was built under the 
administration of Trustee Charles Osburn and his advis- 
ory board, George Kats, Howard Dillabaugh, and Willis 
Werner, cost $815,585.00 through a lease holding com- 
pany and will be paid for at $82,000 per year. 

The enrollment of the Boone Township schools has 
shown a steady growth pattern as shown in the following 
chart: 


NO. OF NO. OF 
YEAR STUDENTS FACULTY 
1936 295 11 
1946 360 15 
1956 487 18 
1966 808 34 
1974 878 Al 


The principals of Boone Township Schools have been: 

1932 - 1942—G. Warren Phillips 

1942 - 1944—-M. M. Hague 

1944 - 1949—Wayne Eikenberry 

1949 - 1951—-Raymond F. Tate 

1951 - 1954—Thomas MacOwen 

1954 - 1968—Myron Knauff 

1968 - 1969—Kent Meyers 

1969 - —Donald E. Broughton 

1964 - —Donald Allison (Elementary Principal) 

The trustees have been: 

1935 - 1942—Harry Williams 

1943 - 1950—Craig Stevens 

1951 - 1958—Leland Buchanan 

1959 - 1962—Russell Franzman 

1963 - 1970—Howard Dillabaugh 

1971 - —Charles Osburn 

The Boone Township system through the years has 
earned high scholastic ratings. On October 5, 1940, the 
superintendent of schools, Mr. M. E. Dinsmore, received 
word from the State Board of Education that the Hebron 
School had received a first class commission following 
its inspection. At that period there were fourteen faculty 
members in the combination grade and high school, 
and the state added that it . . . ‘‘was a superior build- 
ing with superior equipment.” 

This system has also passed all inspections for mem- 
bership in the North Central Association. A 1975 inspec- 
tion will be held in October when the school system will 
again be judged by a seven-man team. In order to pre- 
pare for this inspection, the faculty members have been 
working for over a year organizing special reports such 
as the following prepared by the Philosophy and Objec- 
tive Committee which gives a contemporary view of ed- 
ucation in the 1970's: 

The philosophy of Hebron High School shall be 
to educate each student so he may become a wor- 
thy citizen capable of making a comfortable living 
for himself and his dependents. The curriculum 
will be in agreement with the philosophy of educa- 
tion for the fullest development of the individual 
towards the American way of life in this modern day 
society. It will be liberal in scope, flexible in use, 


and definite in purpose. 

The pupil’s characteristics shall be identified so that 
his school experience can be adjusted to meet his needs, 
interests, abilities, ambitions, and aptitudes. 

The school program shall be organized so that the 
greatest benefit can be provided to the greatest num- 
ber from their educational experiences and not to a fav- 
ored minority. 

The educational program shall be revised from time 
to time to keep abreast with out constantly changing so- 
ciety. 


CITIZENS BANK 


The Hebron Citizens Bank, which first opened for 
business in September, 1889, as a private bank, has un- 
dergone tremendous growth since 1936. The bank was 
admitted to membership in the Federal Reserve System 
in 1937 and was given a permanent charter in 1947. 
Many personnel changes have also occured. During the 
early 1940’s Grover Wilson, Zim Viant, and Robert Mc- 
Ginley replaced directors V. E. Hahn, Leland Bryant, and 
C. J. Hobbs. At this time Emery Dye was elected presi- 
dent. 

In the latter half of the 1940’s Louis Alyea, Walter 
Johnson, and Leland Bryant replaced directors. Also, in 
1950 Louis Alyea was elected president when Emery 
Dye resigned at the close of 1949. During the next five 
years Franklin Petry and Edith Viant became directors, 
and William Mullins was employed as assistant cashier, 
replacing Chester Wiltfang, deceased. 

In 1962 the by-laws of the bank were amended to 
create the office of executive president; and Louis Alyea 
was elected president; Leland Bryant, vice president; 
Robert McGinley, executive vice-president; and William 
Mullins, cashier. Later, in 1966, Mr. Mullins became a 
director to replace Olo Nichols, deceased. 

Again, in 1971, the stockholders voted to amend the 
by-laws of the bank to change the number of directors 
from seven to not less than five and not more than nine. 
Ted Fitzgerald and John H. Bryant were added as direc- 
tors; William Mullins was elected executive vice presi- 
dent; Robert McGinley remained as vice president; and 
Suzanne Fickle was elected assistant-cashier. The pres- 
end board of directors are Louis Alyea, Edith Viant, 
Franklin Petry, Walter Johnson, Leland Bryant, Robert 
McGinley, William Mullins, John Bryant, Jr., and Theo- 
dore Fitzgerald. Other persons who have served as bank 
employees during the time period since 1936 are: Laura 
Fry, Helen Woolridge; Kathryn Wiltfang, Ann Yankauskas, 
Greta Heckel, Vera Hough, Mary Stiles, Jane Sherman, 
Nancy Wale, Jeanne Ziese, Pearl Watterworth, Barbara 
Minicus, Margaret Frey, Lorraine Schuster, Diane Shurr, 
Walter Shiplov, and Marlene Price. The present em- 
ployees are Robert McGinley, William Mullins, Suzanne 
Fickle, Jane Sherman, Helma Skinkle, Nancy Gehlman, 
Marilyn Burkey, Cynthia Thomas, Richard Thompson, 
Carol Phillips, and Grace Taylor. 

In 1955 the bank was still located on Main and Sigler 
Streets; and since the building was only twenty feet wide 
and offered little operating space, the directors pur- 
chased the Cross property at the corner of Sigler and 


Washington Streets for the purpose of constructing a 
new bank building. An open house celebrating the com- 
pletion of the facility was held on May 20, 1956; and a 
second open house was also held on September of 1956 
to celebrate the bank’s seventy-five years of continuous 
service to the Hebron Community. 

A pension and profit sharing plan for bank employees 
was adopted in 1973; and in 1974 a stock split was au- 
thorized increasing stock from $50,000 to $200,000, 
creating 20,000 shares at par value of ten dollars per 
share. It was also at this time that Louis Alyea was pro- 
moted to chairman of the board and Robert McGinley, 
president. 

The bank has been indeed fortunate in being able to 
remain open and to serve the community continuously 
for a period of eighty-five years. During the serious de- 
pression in the 1930's the depositors remained loyal 
to the bank and agreed not to make substantial with- 
drawals. The directors borrowed money from the Recon- 
struction Finance Corporation in order to continue opera- 
tions, and in 1941 the loan was paid in full. 

The bank has not always experienced financial secur- 
ity. In 1908 the expenses of operating the Citizens Bank 
were $4,046.71, and the net profits were only $299.56. 
In 1923 the total operating expenses were $13,630.21, 
and the profits were $5,196.08 and the directors paid 
out $5,000 in dividends to the stockholders. 

The following figures which show the total resources 
of the bank reflect the progress and growth of the He- 
bron community: 


Te 40046 Gaanee pean: 38 > 151,827.18 
TE acc hee anew anaes 311,169.90 
PE ocho waned ses bee Pas 400,726.68 
DOGS <ca Vy os gions eases 1,402,875.11 
Lee cuwge ceed eeeen seer 2,182,148.88 
i eee eee 5,041,835.32 
MTS 2c ai nese ous haa 9 et 11,776,834.51 


Of course, some of the later increases are due, in part, 
to the spiraling inflation. 


STAGE COACH INN 


One of Hebron’s historical sites, the Stage Coach Inn, 
has been restored by Louis Alyea; and its doors were 
opened to the public on August 6, 1970. Originally this 
‘‘saltbox’’ house, which is located on Main Street, was 
built in 1849 and was used as a stage coach stop. One 
newspaper account states that the stagecoach run was 
between Lowell, Hebron, and Valparaiso. 

Since that time it has been used as a post office, a 
residence, a dairy, and a beauty salon. At one time in 
the early 1930's part of the original structure was cut 
off to make room for another home. 

The preservation of this ‘‘saltbox’’ house was made 
possible with funds from the pay compensation, and life 
insurance of Donald Louis Alyea (1925-1944), Mr. Alyea’s 
son. The restored building is now used for meetings of 
organizations, private receptions, and dinner meetings. 

No history would be complete without the description 
of Hebron’s ‘‘Christmas Tree,’’ which stood just north 
of the Stage Coach Inn. It was a huge, shaggy, white 


pine that had survived a ‘‘Jimmycane” or tornado in 
May of 1917 that had left it mis-shapened. Around 1926 
with the advent of electricity, the businessmen began 
decorating the tree with hand-dipped electric bulbs for 
the Christmas season. A star of Christmas was designed 
by a local carpenter and cut from sheet metal. Even 
conductors of the passenger trains on the ‘‘Panhandle 
R. R."’ (now the Penn-Central) invited passengers to see 
the tree. On Christmas Eve, candy, fruit, and nuts were 
passed out under the tree to the small fry of the town. 
The tree was destroyed on April 29, 1951, by a severe 
hurricane-like storm. 


CEMETERIES 


The Hebron Cemetery, which was established as early 
as 1837, is located one mile south of the town of Hebron. 
The first death recorded was that of a young girl, Harriet 
Dinwiddie. The other cemetery is located three and a 
half miles east of town on Route 8. The first burial in 
Cornell Cemetery was Van Kirk Cornell who died on June 
21, 1838. 

The Hebron Cemetery now consists of fourteen acres. 
The oldest section is maintained by the tax support of 
Boone Township, and the remaining sections by a per- 
petual care fund which is handled by Mr. Robert McGin- 
ley and the Citizens Bank of Hebron. Faithful caretakers 
of the cemetery through the years have been Mr. Lorenzo 
Norris, Mr. Howard Williamsson, and Mr. Joe Martin. 

The Hebron Cemetery is under the supervision of a 
board of trustees of which Dr. L. K. Buchanan is the 
president; Mr. Robert McGinley, treasurer; and Mrs. Lois 
Buchanan, acting-secretary. The Cornell Cemetery is un- 
der the auspices of the Boone Township trustee and is 
supported by property taxes. It is now classified as a 
‘‘closed’’ cemetery and is open only to the deceased who 
have families already buried there. 


RECREATION 


As in most small hamlets throughout our nation, He- 
bron has had many old-fashioned activities. The commun- 
ity was so closely knit that even in the early 1940's, it 
could still enjoy a picnic for the whole town and environs. 
Such a picnic was held on August 1, 1940, at Lake Eliza. 
A bus left the bank corner offering free transportation for 
all who went to enjoy the entertainment of a band con- 
cert, swimming, boating, and dancing. 

Even the installation of new street lights in 1940 gave 
cause for a community get-together. It all came about in 
February of 1940 when the town decided to install new 
Westinghouse street lights of 400 candle-power. The 
lights were to be placed 150 feet apart and have reflec- 
tors that could be adjusted. The project was finished in 
August of 1940, and a celebration was held. The Main 
Street was closed and all traffic rerouted. Mr. George 
Myers of Valparaiso University sang and gave a short 
speech after which the lights were turned on. 

In 1944 Hebron was planning an appropriate celebra- 
tion for the centennial of the town. But the war curtailed 
all thoughts of celebration, and one newspaper wrote the 
following: ‘‘However, the least we can do is bear in mind 


27 


28 


that some mighty forward-looking people gave us our 
chance here. Robert S. Kenny, local poet wrote about the 
place: 


My old home town where | was born 
And did most of my livin’, 
For that. old town I'll toot my horn, 
My sonnets I'll be givin’. 
lll tell about the folks down there 
Who smiled when | was cheerful, 
With whom no others can compare, 
Who wept when storms were fearful. 
My old home town is not so large 
As many others ‘round us, 
But they, real friendship there discharged 
And somehow always found us.” 

During the winter months, the young and the old have 
enjoyed Bunker Hill, Ross’s Pond, Fisher’s Pond, and 
Dog Lake. Here people have gathered for ice-skating, 
sledding, building fires for warmth, and enjoying hot- 
chocolate. Fisher’s Pond and Dog Lake have also been 
favorite fishing places for the youth of the area. These 
favorite haunts are now owned by private citizens and 
are no longer open to the public. 

Gone also is the Hebron Theater which during the 
1920’s to the 1950's occupied the Masonic Building, the 
high school auditorium, and the building where the NAPA 
store is now located on Main Street. This movie theater 
seated 250 and was operated for many years by Mr. D. 
Callahan. Also, at one time there was a portable skating 
rink that was temporarily located east of town on Route 
8. Many people also enjoyed the band concerts that were 
held in Alyea’s parking lot or in the drive at the school, 
or the square dancing that was popular in the old Ameri- 
can Legion Hall. Another event that was very popular in 
Boone Township was the Halloween party that was spon- 
sored each year by the Commercial Club. This was held 
in a parking lot uptown or in the gym of the school, and 
sometimes over three hundred youngsters would parade 
up and down before the judges who awarded prizes for 
the best costumes. 


The best celebration in this community is on the 
Fourth of July. For many years minor celebrations had 
been held, but in 1952 all clubs banded together to plan 
for one large event on the national holiday. It was esti- 
mated that in 1974 10,000 people jammed the school 
grounds to see the fireworks display. 


The agenda for the day starts with a parade at ten 
o’clock up Main Street with as many as eighty entries 
that are judged and awarded prizes. This is followed on 
the school grounds with the flag raising ceremony and 
the turtle derby. 


During the afternoon there are kids’ rides and games, 
professional entertainment, helicopter rides, baseball 
games, and a midway with food stands and game booths. 
Money raised from this project has been used to buy 
more equipment for the celebration, to build a large 
storage shed, to build refreshment stand at the ball 
park, and to buy equipment for the Boone Township Fire 
Department. 


CHILDS PARK 


The original idea of Childs Park came from the Hebron 
Town Board in 1973. When Mrs. Viva Childs sold her 
home, this ten acres of wood land were offered for sale 
separately. The Town Board contacted her to buy it for 
a park. Her price was $2,000 per acre; or if named after 
her late husband, Mr. Vernon Childs, as a memorial, the 
price would be $1,500 per acre. The town did not have 
the purchase price, but the trustee, Charlie Osburn, sug- 
gested that it be purchased with Revenue Sharing money. 

Future plans call for a shelter and barbecue pits to be 
constructed. There will also be a small parking area. The 
rest of the woods shall be left in the natural state. There 
will be foot paths and benches for people to just walk, . 
rest, and enjoy nature. 

Other organizations which have offered financial assis- 
tance are The Fortnightly Club, Lions Club, Jaycees, and 
the Fourth of July Committee. It will be a park for old 
and young to enjoy . . . a preservation of one of the few 
remaining natural areas in our town. 


WAR YEARS 


At first the war in Europe caused little furor in the 
community of Hebron, but as the news came in about the 
Pearl Harbor incident, the town became more and more 
involved. One of the radio programs, THIS IS LONDON, 
broadcast by Edward R. Murrow and listened to widely in 
this area, which told of the city being in flames, of the 
bombing attacks, and of the thousands homeless, in- 
stilled concern in some of the citizens that possibly our 
home town might be hit. Thus, the Civil Defense and Air 
Raid Warden programs were initiated. Some of the war- 
dens to serve were Louis Alyea, Grover McClellan, Art 
Brewer, Glen Norton, Bryan Orr, Charles Hewitt, Jay Ban- 
ter, Harry Ross, James Burtner, Ross Witters, Dave Ro- 
senthal, Perry Clark, Russel Batty, and Frank Moral. In 
the township they were Craig Stevens, Neil Buchanan, 
Charles Berdine, Dewey Anderson, Carl Pfledderer, Glen 
Martin, Gleen McConkey, Floyd Wahl, Lloyd Asher, and 
Maurice Aylesworth. 

This was one of the good things to come out of the 
great preparedness program. These persons were strict- 
ly volunteer and were trained in first aid and personal 
and home defense. Actually, more than fifty persons in 
the Hebron area were involved in the entire program. 

Another local group worked continually for many 
months; this was the Red Cross whose volunteers set up 
a workshop in the building adjoining the Country Kitchen. 
This unit was under the supervision of the state and Na- 
tional Red Cross. 

During these times, the people began to feel the con- 
sequences of the many shortages created by the war. 
Hardly anything could be purchased that was not ra- 
tioned. Gasoline rationing was started, tires went off the 
market, and automobile and truck sales were frozen. 
After December 7, 1941, overnight the auto-makers 
stopped their assembly lines of cars and made plans for 
converting to the production of tanks, gun carriers, and 
airplanes. New and used cars were no longer available, 


and even tires were strictly rationed. Old tires were gath- 
ered in the community for their rubber to be reclaimed. 
The tires made from the reclaimed rubber were of poor 
quality, and soon a speed limit of thirty-five miles per 
hour was set to conserve gas and tires. The pre-war tires 
were much in demand, and the federal government took 
over control of all new tires in the dealers’ stock early in 
1942. There were eight tire inspectors in Porter County 
and before a tire could be bought, a need had to be sub- 
stantiated at one of the places of inspection, then taken 
to_the county rationing office for approval. During one 
month of the war only eight tires were sold in the entire 
county. Retreads were also rationed and handled in the 
same manner. 

These shortages of tires, gasoline, and cars caused 
many transportation problems here. Many women and 
girls were called upon to work in the war production 
plants. One such plant that sprang up near LaPorte, about 
thirty-five miles from Hebron, was the Kingsbury Ordi- 
nance Plant which manufactured shells of differing cali- 
bre. Separations of families, of course, were caused by 
boys away from home serving in the armed forces, but 
lonely periods were also experienced by families working 
the different shifts at the Kingsbury Plant. For example, 
one family recalls the father working the day shift and 
the mother always working the ‘‘swing shift.’’ Many peo- 
ple from the Hebron area also worked in the Calumet 
district making guns, tanks, plates, and parts of hulls. 
Their transportation was provided by car pools and a 
bus service that ran from Wheatfield to Gary providing 
three round trips a day hauling as many as fifty passen- 
gers each way. 

As in all communities, Hebron was left with a great 
shortage of man power. Many high school senior boys en- 
listed a few months before graduating insuring their 
chances of getting into a branch of their choice. During 
some periods the labor force of Hebron, encompassing 
the men between eighteen and forty-five years of age, was 
cut by seventy percent, due to enlistment and working in 
the war plants; thus, farmers and small businesses were 
very short of help. 

For example, at one station in town eight of its em- 
ployees were serving in the armed forces which left the 
business to be run by two girls and three men (one of 
whom was seventy-five years of age). But, of course, the 
station had no stock of new tires, little gasoline, and no 
new or used cars to sell; and this is when the business 
began to adopt the one word motto, SERVICE. 

The young people still in school also felt the pinch of 
the war. Certain times were allocated during the school 
week for the selling of war stamps and contests were held 
to see which class was the winner. Due to the paper short- 
age throughout the nation, the class of 1945 was unable 
to have its yearbook printed by a professional firm, and 
the students ran their own annual off on the school mim- 
eograph machine. 

Even in 1946 the students were still feeling the paper 
shortage, and were only able to obtain one-fourth of the 
crepe paper needed to decorate for their prom which was 
almost called off due to the shortage of coal needed to 
heat the building and the shortage of electricity. 


One of the most difficult jobs from late 1942 until the 
end of the war was the one performed by Lee Buchanan, 
our local druggist. At the time he was also the Western 
Union representative for Boone Township, and this meant 
it was his task to deliver the telegrams whether their 
contents were just ordinary business or telegrams starting 
out, ‘We regret to inform you that... '’ To see Lee Buch- 
anan going up the street with the familiar yellow paper 
brought a feeling of despair and dread to the community. 

Hebron’s greatest sacrifice during the war was the 
lives of the young men that were given for their country. 
No history of the town could ever be complete without re- 
cording the lives of these courageous heroes. 

DONALD L. ALYEA 35896241 Before school was 
out in 1943 Donald Alyea enlisted in the Army Air Force. 
He attended school in the Southwest and in Nevada be- 
fore his squadron was formed in Florida in 1944. He was 
assigned to the 15th Air Force in Italy in October and 
was based at Foggio Air base. His squadron was credited 
for the final raids on oil refineries in Polesti, Rumania. 
The squadron's final missions were directed at the East- 
ern front in support of the Russian Armies. Sergeant 
Alyea was lost on his nineteenth mission which was di- 
rected on Munich, Germany, on December 10, 1944. He 
was Officially declared dead on December 11, 1945. 

JOHN HALE BATES The Roll of Honor of Purdue Uni- 
versity, #3 Archives of Purdue, lists John Hale Bates, as 
Radioman 2/c. He enlisted in the Navy in April and was 
assigned to the USS ENTERPRISE in November, 1940. 
He was missing in action as of June 4. 1942, when a tor- 
pedo plane on which he was free gunner and radio oper- 
ator failed to return to the ENTERPRISE during the Battle 
of Midway. He was awarded posthumuously the Distin- 
guished Flying Cross. 

BYRON E. CASEY, Seaman 2nd Class, 7347114, was 
the son of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Casey. He was killed in 
action while serving in Pacific theater and was buried at 
sea. He served on the USS BUNKERHILL. He was a grad- 
uate of the class of 1941 of Hebron High School and en- 
tered the service in the summer of 1942. The Indiana Ar- 
chives, Indianapolis, lists his death, ‘‘Navy list of casual- 
ties, released July 4, 1945, killed in action.”’ 

LT. VIRGIL MCALPIN, who was a graduate of the class 
of 1933 of Hebron High School, died at the age of twen- 
ty-eight of wounds of April 11, 1945. He entered the 
service in April of 1941 and served in the following: 
South Pacific, Australia, and New Caledonia. In May of 
1942 he was made a sergeant, and in September 16, 
1942, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. For twen- 
ty-seven months he served as an intelligence officer in 
the Pacific. He contracted malaria and was returned to 
the United States, and from there in November of 1944 
he was sent to Europe. At the time of his death in Europe 
he was serving with the 317 80th Division. 

ROGER DUANE ROSEBERRY, son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Duane Roseberry, was graduated from Hebron High 
School in 1963 and from South Bend College of Com- 
merce in 1965. He entered the Army in October of 1965. 
He then served in Viet Nam from July, 1966, until he 
was killed in action on March 21, 1967, at the age of 22 
and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star 


29 


30 


for his valor in action. He was serving with the 25th Infan- 
try Division as a member of the special forces of the 
Light Infantry Brigade. 


FAMOUS PEOPLE 


In 1936 edition of this history of the Hebron commun- 
ity includes short biographies of three doctors: Dr. But- 
man, Dr. Blood, and Dr. Kleinman. Dr. Ling was also 
listed as the dentist. 

Dr. Butman, who came to Hebron and started his prac- 
tice in 1920, continued until his death at the age of sev- 
enty-one in 1951. He also served as president of the Por- 
ter County Medical Society in 1950 and 1951. 

Dr. Roescoe Blood, who was graduated from North- 
western University in 1906, started his practice in his 
hometown in 1910. Doctor Blood was also interested in 
civic affairs, having served on the town board from 1928- 
1933. He also was credited with purchasing the site of 
the present Hebron High School building, building the 
baseball diamond, and forming the Senecas. He was es- 
pecially noted for the treatment of blood poisoning and 
infection. He served this community until his death on 
December 2, 1949. 

Dr. Francis J. Kleinman practiced in Boone Township 
for forty-seven years. Also was a graduate of Northwest- 
ern University Medical School, he was honored on May 
25, 1964, by this medical school for fifty years of ser- 
vice as a medical doctor. He was also honored in Octo- 
ber of 1964 by the Indiana State Medical Assn. for his 
half-century of service. Dr. Kleinman served the com- 
munity until his death in 1964. 

For a short period of time Dr. H. C. Ashmore prac- 
ticed in Hebron and later moved his office to the Chester- 
ton area. He was followed by Dr. Hyman Cohen, who was 
a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Medicine. 
He, along with his wife, Dr. Ellen Cohen, started work 
in Hebron on July 19, 1954. Dr. Ellen was also a grad- 
uate of Illinois University. They left this area to continue 
their studies at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Hy- 
man Cohen is now the head of Neuropsychological Clinic 
of Porter County. 

In 1965 Dr. Robert Lee, who now practices in Valpa- 
raiso, opened the Hebron Clinic, located south of He- 
bron on Highway 231. He practiced here part time along 
with Dr. Charles Griffin. This clinic is now owned by Dr. 
Chen Sun and is known as the Hebron Clinic, Incorpo- 
rated. The modern building consists of a waiting room, 
three examining rooms, a medicine room with some lab 
facilities, an x-ray room, and a modest etnergency room 
equipped for minor cases. Dr. Sun, who is a native of 
China, received his education from St. John’s Medical 
School in Shanghai in 1946. Dr. Sun has an estimated 
5000 active charts in his files. 

The present dentist serving the area is Dr. Donald 
Roberts who is from the Hammond area and received 
his training from Indiana University. He has served this 
area since July of 1965 except for a short time when he 
served in the army. Dr. Roberts is also located in the 
Hebron Clinic. At one time in 1945-1946, Dr. Devall also 
practiced dentistry in Hebron, but has since moved to 
Oregon. 


lt was very difficult for the young members of the 
Hebron National Honor Society to decide who the other 
famous people of the community were; and so in order 
to have a complete and unbiased listing, the group sent 
out a questionaire to fifty people asking them to name 
persons who, in their opinon, were famous during 1936- 
1976. According to lists received from these fifty peo- 
ple, the following were elected as ‘‘Famous People.” 


EDUCATION 


HELEN NOLAN—a teacher in Boone Township schools 
for fifty-one years. 


DORIS MORROW—a teacher who has dedicated thir- 
ty-three years to Hebron elementary school, specialized 
in math. 


CHARLOTTE KNARR—a teacher in the local school 
who has dedicated thirty-two years, specialized in reading. 

ANN WAHL—a teacher who taught history for twenty- 
two years in Hebron High School. 

ESTHER WAHL—a grade teacher who taught thirty 
years in the Hebron Schools. 

G. WARREN PHILLIPS—principal of Hebron Schools, 
later Superintendent of Valparaiso Schools. 

RUTH McMILLEN—a teacher who taught thirty-seven 
years in the school system, mostly in third grade. 

MYRON KNAUFF—principal of Hebron Schools, pres- 
ent Assistant-Superintendent of Valparaiso Schools. 

M. E. DINSMORE—County Superintendent of Schools 
for twenty-nine years. 

WAYNE EIKENBERRY—popular principal of Hebron 
School from 1944-1949. 

BUSINESS PERSONS 

LOUIS ALYEA—leading businessman, dedicated to 
preservation of American Heritage and history. Execu- 
tive president of Citizens Bank. 

JOHN DEKOCK—grocer on Main Street from 1926- 
1964. 

WALTER JOHNSON—owner of Johnson Seed Store 
who contributed greatly to athletic events including girls’ 
softball. 

ELMER BRICKER—operates barber shop. . 
Clerk for many years. 

VERNON CHILDS—local grocer for many years whose 
hobby was horticulture. 

LELAND BUCHANAN—druggist who participated in 
civic affairs, fireman. 

HOAG DINSMORE—owned Chevrolet garage and deal- 
ership on Main Street, farm manager. 

MONTE MORROW—tfriendly businessman for forty- 
five years, served as fire chief for fifteen years. 

JACK FRY—owned and operated Marathon Station for 
many years, noted for congeniality. 

ROBERT MCGINLEY—active in banking, presently 
president of Citizens Bank. 

CHARLES LIGHTFOOT—fire chief until 1936, noted for 
longevity. 

ROSS WITTERS—druggist for many years. 

ELLA HENDERSON—acting Postmistress; also noted 
for longevity. 

MAURICE WILSON—local grocer from 1936-1957, ac- 
tive in community activities and Commercial Club. 


. Town 


HERB ROSENTHAL—Standard Oil dealer, active in 
civic affairs. 

FRANKLIN PETRY—attorney on Main Street, member 
of Porter County Aviation Board, member of Porter Coun- 
ty School Reorganization Committee. 

POLITICS 

MAURICE MASON—Second District Democratic chair- 
man, member of Democratic National Committee. 

VIRGIL KING—former South County Commissioner, 
businessman. 

MARCELLA MASON—active in Democratic Party, clerk- 
treasurer of town. 

LOUIS KELLER—County Clerk during the 1930's. 

BERNARD DOYLE—Chairman of Indiana Alcoholic 
Beverage Commission in 1949, instrumental in channel- 
ing tax funds to be used for alcoholic divisions in West- 
ville. 

ART CARPENTER—former South County Commission- 
er. 

LONGEVITY 

Gertrude Giegoldt, Effie Dilley, Clara Lawrence, Bess 
Wilson, Maria Richardson, Glen Norton, Alta Wilson, Le- 
land (Ike) Bryant, Jennie Williams, Harry Laughlin, Lena 
Bryant, John Fickle, Anna Johnson 

AGRICULTURE 

Pete Johnson, Clarence Hallberg, Chester Gilson, 
Glenn Buchanan, Buss Fry, Murl Nichols, Arthur Piepho, 
Jack Alyesworth, Cecil Thurner, Herb Roeske, Willis 
Werner, August Johnson, Ray Schuster, Paul Evans 

RELIGION 

REV. JOSEPH SWITZER—first full-time priest of St. 
Helen’s. 

REV. JOHN HREN—first vocation from the parish of 
St. Helen’s; ordained on June 5, 1947. 

FLO NICHOLS—church organist for many years in 
Hebron Methodist Church. 

CHARLES HOUGH—loyal church custodian, dedicated 
more than fifty years of his life to Hebron Christian 
Church. 

REV. RUSSELL RICHARDSON—inspiration to com- 
munity and Christian way of life, minister of Methodist 
Church. 

CLUB SERVICE 

VIVA CHILDS—past president of Indiana Federated 
Womens Clubs. 

MABEL CARPENTER—active club woman, president 
of DAR, past president of Porter County Home-Ec Clubs. 

MARY JANE AYLESWORTH—Home-Ec Extension Club 
representative who represented the state of Indiana on 
her trips to India, Australia, and Norway. 

EVELYN WILSON—past president of Fortnightly Club, 
active in library work. 

SERVICE 

JESSIE SPINDLER—Hebron librarian from 1941-1973. 

ZEKE FICKLE—town employee until retirement in 
1974. 

ALONZO NORRIS—caretaker of cemeteries for over 
thirty years. 

OLIVER WEDDLE—Postmaster from 1949-1969. 
a GARVEY—mail carrier on Route 2 from 1938- 

54. 


WAYNE FRY—dedicated many years of service to the 
custodial care of the school. Also active in town govern- 
ment, served as town board president. 

WILMA PETRY—has served several terms on Welfare 
Board, given many hours of service to Whispering Pines. 
OTHERS 

WAYNE COOPER—local artist who shows throughout 
the U.S.A., won much recognition with oil paintings. 

ANNA BUCK—local artist who has won state honors 
with oil paintings. 

FAY FOLSOM NICHOLS—author of the book Kankakee. 

AUDREY NICHOLS—on the staff of House Beautiful 
Magazine. 

ELSIE CORWIN—outstanding in secretarial profession, 
secretary at Valparaiso U. 

OLO E. NICHOLS—noted bridge building contractor 
in Lake, Jasper, and Porter Counties. 


..+.DISASTERS. . .. 


Boone Township has been fortunate because few dis- 
asters have hit this community since 1936. Probably the 
most notable is the tornado that occurred on April 8, 
1948, which devastated the area along the Kankakee 
River. Among the dead in the state of Indiana was Cle- 
mens Bricker, Boone Township’s only victim of the storm 
who was fatally injured by falling timbers when his house, 
located on the Kankakee, was completely demolished. 
Mr. Bricker’s sister, Margaret, who made her home with 
him, escaped with only minor injuries; and the Ed Bricker 
family living in the August Johnson home near the River 
bridge was able to take refuge in the basement. 

One of the worst snowstorms in over forty years hit 
the Hebron area on Sunday, April 20, 1961. The Valpo 
weather station at Flint Lake announced an official Sun- 
day-Monday snowfall of 9.2 inches. Roads leading out 
of the town of Hebron which was declared an emergency 
area, were blocked by drifts six to eight feet high; and 
all motorists leaving town were stopped. Personnel from 
Civilian Defense, Indiana State Police, State Highway De- 
partments, Fire Department, Scouts, and private indivi- 
duals banded together to help alleviate the situation. 
People stranded on highways outside of the town had 
to find refuge in farmhouses which were taxed to capa- 
city. One hundred and fifty persons were stranded in the 
farm homes of Russel Steinhilber, Richard Sterks, Ernie 
Williams, and Cecil Lowery. Seventy-five motorists were 
at first housed in the Hebron High School where Pauline 
Wale and Kate DeFries served coffee, but later they 
were sent to private homes for lodging. 

Another major blizzard hit the area on January 26, 
1967, starting at nine in the morning. A record twenty- 
four inches fell on Thursday and Friday, schools were 
closed, and state and county snow plowing equipment 
was over-taxed trying to help stranded motorists. Lodg- 
ing for three days had to be provided in private homes 
and in the school for the travelers, many of whom were 
Purdue and Indiana University students trying to reach 
their homes during mid-year break. 

During the midst of the storm an expectant mother on 
Highway 2 called for help; and since the roads were com- 


31 


32 


pletely impassable by car, a payloader and bulldozer 
were pressed into service and the woman was brought 
to the Hebron Clinic where Dr. Sun delivered her child 
who was nick-named ‘‘Stormy.’’ At about the same time 
a young man suffered a heart attack and Mrs. Chadwick, 
who was a registered nurse stranded in Hebron, was car- 
ried in the shovel of the payloader to the house to assist. 

The last major storm to hit this area occurred on Au- 
gust 27, 1965; it was later classified as an inland hurri- 
cane. It started around 12:15 A.M., and by 12:45 all elec- 
trical power went off; some homes did not receive power 
again until the following Monday or Tuesday. The storm 
consisted of high winds, hail, and rain that beat the area 
causing extreme crop damage, leveling barns, and kill- 
ing stock. Members of the Hebron Volunteer Firemen 
worked during the night patrolling the streets of the town. 
They used loud speakers and sirens as they traveled the 
area trying to warn citizens of the impending crisis. As 
the storm neared, over one hundred persons took refuge 
in the high school. Others who did not have basements 
for protection, took shelter in the homes of their neigh- 
bors. The following Saturday was declared ‘Clean-up 
Day’’ and all men were asked to help clean the debris 
from the town. 

Hebron has witnessed other disasters that cannot be 
classified as weather phenomena, but rather as man- 
made disasters perpetrated by robbers attempting to 
hold up the Citizens Bank. The first big robbery during 
the 1936-1976 time era was in February of 1948, when 
Steven M. Wzesinski of Gary, after being apprehended 
in Oneida, New York, confessed to the crime of robbing 
the Citizens Bank. The robbery occurred at 10:15 in 
the morning, and road blocks, which were unsuccessful, 
were set up extending from the Kankakee River north 
through Cedar Lake and Crown Point to Lincoln High- 
way and west to Valparaiso. 

The second robbery occurred early on a Monday morn- 
ing, November 7, 1955; but the scenario was actually 
started Sunday evening at six when the would-be robbers 
entered the Robert McGinley home. They took Mr. Mc- 
Ginley, an employee of Citizens Bank, and his wife Ruth 
prisoner. During the evening the robbers took the pris- 
oners on wild rides throughout Northern Indiana, arriv- 
ing back at the McGinley residence at five A. M. and 
ordered that breakfast be served. 

After tying Mrs. McGinley to a rocking chair in the 
basement, one man, dressed in a business suit, forced 
Mr. McGinley to accompany him to the bank when it 
opened for business. At first the other bank employees 
surmised that the unknown man was with Mr. McGinley 
as a bank inspector. After the robbery, Mr. McGinley 
was again forced to accompany the men in the get-away 
car; and it was not until three hours later in the town of 
Frankfort, Illinois, that Mr. McGinley had the oppor- 
tunity to jump from the car as it slowed to pass a large 
truck. The FBI was called in and the money was later re- 
covered. 

One of the heroes of a third robbery which occurred 
on Tuesday, November 6, 1962, was the German police 
dog of Tunis Van Veld. Two young men held up the bank 
at 10:55 A.M. and escaped with approximately 4,000 dol- 


lars. As the pair tried to escape, they were unsuccess [he | 
in commandeering the car of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie F.éy m 
and had to take off running through the yards as Bhird St 
Mullins, bank cashier chased them, taking two shots. / One 

they ran through the yard of Mr. Van Veld, the Van Ve its m 
dog gave pursuit; and in their hurry, the robbers droppon. Th 
part of the loot. It was turned in by local citizens. Tix mer 
robbers were captured at 4:20 on a farm west of Hebroers. TI 


The latest robbery occurred on March 16, 1971, ap press 
had all the characteristics of an old-fashioned movie ty Senic 
holdup that was complete with whizzing bullets, hia the | 
speed chase, and the capture of the “bad guys.” Tehurch. 
men entered the bank, stuffed the stolen money intot the c 
pillow case, and locked the bank employees into t Form 
vault using a gun as a persuader. Mrs. Margaret Litt 193% 
who lives across from the bank, happened to see gj 1938 
picious activities going on at the bank and called Alye 1941 
Garage alerting Tom Alyea and Robert Mcintire who ge 1946 
chase to the get-away car. State Police joined them 1951 
Division Road heading toward Valparaiso. The robbe 1958 
car failed to make a turn and plunged over a fifteen fi 1963 
embankment. The suspects were taken into custody ¢ 1969 


all the money was recovered. 1972 
.. wv nURCFIES. .«« *HRIST 

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH aA 
he pre: 


Before 1939 the United Methodist Church of Heb The | 
had been called the Methodist Episcopal Church. At tanized 
time there was a union of the Methodist Episco.om 1 
Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Baa. 
Methodist Protestant Church. In 1968 the MethoWenty-f 
Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Chub i ssion: 
merged to form the United Methodist Church, the nég93¢ 4¢ 
now used by the Hebron Congregation. The United Maountai 
odist Church is a connection Church as a part o lim fine 
Calumet District, the North Indiana Conference of ent to 
North Central Jurisdiction. suernse 


The original building that in part still houses the Man Ra 
odist congregation was actually built and dedicatedhurch 
1890. It consisted of an auditorium, fifty-six by thiiestame 
two feet, with a large connecting Sunday school rQssociat 
and a vestibule under the tower. An addition was stallew chi 
on July 15, 1928, under the supervision of |. V. Fry,thristia 
sisted by Mr. Charles Fry, giving the congregationeing re 
auditorium with a total seating capacity of 450. 9 Carol 
present parsonage was purchased in 1917 during trazel, 
pastorate of Reverend Beisel. It was described in tha; to A 
days as an “eight room brick bungalow, finished in hast coz 
wood, with hot water heat and all modern conveniencé The f 
“In 1954, Sunday school rooms were added to wilt in 
building located on Church and Washington Streets. P10. |i 
present value of the entire building is $110,000. de Ladi 

The United Methodist Women, an organization ‘@S con 
merly called the Women’s Society of Christian Serveating 
is a very active branch of the church. It consists of { In 19 
circles called the Mary Martha Circle, the Floe Niclg and 
Circle, the Ruth Circle, and the Nettie Bryant Cirtensiv 
One of their main projects is the annual fall bazaar. » chur 


cess {he United Methodist Youth Fellowship is very active. 
nie F.ey meet in Junior and Senior divisions every first and 
as Bird Sunday evening of the month. 
ats. A One of the most outstanding programs of the church 
an Ve its music. Mrs. Robert Ellenson is the music chairper- 
lroppon. There are two choirs, the Chancel Choir with twenty- 
NS. Tix members and the Youth Choir with thirty-two mem- 
Hebroers, They bring together six other churches in the area 
71, aa present an annual Palm Sunday cantata. 
vie tye Senior Citizens is an organization that was founded 
s, hia the Hebron Community through the United Methodist 
;.’ Tthurch. This group meets the first Friday of each month 
/ intot the church. 
nto { Former pastors of this church are: 
t Litt 1935-1938—W. C. Evers 
ee si 1938-1941—C. C. Jordan 
Alye 1941-1946—M. C. Bishop 
ho ge 1946-1951—Stanley Howell 
hem 1951-1958—W. Ray Kuhn 
robbe 1958-1963—Russell Richardson 
een f 1963-1969—Donald Duggleby 
ody g 1969-1972—Louis Balsley 

1972- —wWarren L. Lear 


SHRISTIAN CHURCH 


The Christian Church of Hebron, organized on Septem- 
ier 12, 1877, in Sweeney’s Hall, has grown from 32 to 

| he present membership of 175. 
Heb the Missionary Society of the Christian Church was or- 
. At Vanized by Brother H. Williams who was the minister 
-PISCO Om 1926-1929, and the missionary work has steadily 
and town with the years until at the present time at least 
lethowenty-tive percent of the church's total budget goes to 
| Unissions. Brother Layman who was the minister from 
he N@938.1941 left his ministry and went to the Kiamichi 
ed M&ountains where he is still working. The church has aided 
Tt Of jim financially and many shipments of clothing have been 
€ O! ent to the people there. Also the society has aided Flora 
juernsey who at the time was working with the Chris- 
he Mgan Radio Mission in Korea. At the present time the 
icatedhurch contributes regularly to a number of the New 
oy thiestament colleges; to the Chicago District Evangelistic 
00! MMssociation in their work of financing and establishing 
is stalew churches in the Chicago area; to the Lake Region 
. Frythristian Assembly to carry on their camp work now 
zationieing relocated in the Lakes of the Four Seasons region; 
450. 2 Carol and Barbara Lowe, Missionaries in Goiana, Goias, 
uring trazel, South America; to the Ziden Nutt Family in Afri- 
in tha; to Arthur Morris in India; and to John Wallace on the 

d in hast coast of the United States. 
nienct The first house of worship for this congregation was 
d to uilt in 1878 at a cost of $1,200 and first remodeled in 
eets. 910. In 1920-23 a kitchen was added and funded by 
re Ladies Aid Society, and in 1943-47 more remodeling 
tion ‘as completed with the addition of a basement and new 

Serveating system.. 

s of | In 1959 it became evident that the church was grow- 
Nichg and that more class-rooms were needed. While this 
t Cirtensive remodeling program, which included moving 
azaar. 2 church back twenty feet, excavating for another base- 


ment, building a new foundation, and re-doing the audi- 
torium, was taking place, the congregation used the high 
school auditorium for its services. This construction 
lasted from June until Thanksgiving; and as in all pre- 
vious remodeling programs, much of the labor was vol- 
untary. 

The organizations of the church have been established 
for many years. Both junior and senior Endeavor Societies 
and the C.W.B.M. Auxiliary were established in 1898 and 
the Missionary Society and the Cradle Roll in 1926-1929. 

The following list contains the names of the brethren 
who have served as ministers during the 1936-1976 pe- 
riod: 

1933-1937—Grant Blackwood 

1937—Mr. Sayers 

1938-1941—Mr. Layman 

1942-1943—Arthur Brewer 

1943-1947—D. L. Waterworth 

1948—Wallace Jones 

1949-1956—Logan Dunham 

1956-1958—Earl Shaw 

1958-1965—Robert Tinsky 

1965-1966—James Hardin 

1966-1969—John Carter 

1969-1972—Harold Clapp 

1972- —Richard Winson 


ST. HELEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 


On Sunday, September 29, 1946, the parish of St. 
Helen’s Catholic Church opened its doors. This was the 
culmination of many months of hard work. 

The building had formerly been occupied by the Pres- 
byterians, and the Catholics of Hebron had attended ser- 
vices at St. Mary’s Church in Kouts where Father Kond- 
ziela was the pastor. 

When the Presbyterians decided to put the building 
up for sale, Father Kondziela began the work of acquir- 
ing it. The Reverend W. D. Williams, the Presbyterian 
Minister residing in Hebron, was a tremendous help. 

Meetings were held prior to the actual purchase dur- 
ing which pledges were made. Although the cost of the 
building itself was only $5,000, the total cost of the 
church was expected to run around $15,000. At this 
time Dr. Roscoe Blood and Alden Blood pledged almost 
enough money for the purchase of the building itself with 
the understanding that the church would be named St. 
Helen, in memory of their deceased wives, both of whom 
were named Helen. 

And so in October, after five months of hard work in 
preparing the church for the dedication, St. Helen's 
opened its door with approximately 300 people attend- 
ing the dedication mass. 

Father Kondziela became the mission pastor of St. 
Mary's and St. Helen’s. Through his efforts that the Al- 
tar and Rosary Society, NCCW groups, CYO, Holy Name 


Society, and the choir were organized. He also admin-: 


istered the firm baptism to Rebecca Josephine Genovese 
on October 6, 1946, and performed the first marriage, 
between Julia Yankauskas and Clarence Gesse on No- 
vember 16, 1946. 


33 


It was during Reverend Ambrose E. Switzer's pastor- 
ate that the Edward Berdine house, adjacent to the church 
was bought for $7,000 to be used as a rectory. Also dur- 
ing his time, the sacristy and the back portion of the 
church and the parish hall were built; and also on June 
11, 1954, the mortgage of the parish was burned. 

The priests who have served at St. Helen’s church 
have been: 

Father Kondziela—1946-1947 

Father Ambrose E. Switzer—1947-1954 

Father Chester Zurawiec—1954-1956 

Father Walter S. Mastey—1956-1958 

Father James Stapleton—1958-1959 

Father Joseph A. Klinker—1959-1964 

Monsignor John Charlebois—administrator 

Reverend John Burke—administrator 

Father Abends—administrator assistant 

Father Julian Jercha—administrator 

Reverend John Bargielski—administrator 

Father Charles Doyle—administrator assistant 

Reverend Joseph P. Casey—1967- 


ST. MICHAEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, U.A.C. 


Plans for the formation of a Lutheran Church in the 
Hebron area started in 1974 when a survey was made of 
the Hebron area. The results indicated that there were 
sufficient numbers of interested Lutherans to establish 
a mission. 

The first meeting was held July 22, 1974; at which 
time it was decided to organize a congregation, engage 
a part-time minister, and find a place to worship. 

On September 16, 1974, in a meeting held at the 
Stage Coach Inn, plans were finalized for services to be- 
gin in October; and on October 6, 1974, in the Hebron 
Scout Cabin, St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
Missouri Synod, held its first worship service. Reverend 
Hugo Goetz, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Gary, In- 
diana, conducted the service attended by eighty-one per- 
sons. Worship services were held in the Hebron Scout 
Cabin during October and November; and on Thanksgiv- 
ing Day, November 28, 1974, a communion service was 
held in the Hebron United Methodist Church. 

The following persons acted as a Board of Directors; 
Mr. George Rust, Merrillville, Indiana; Mr. Robert Starks 
and Mr. Adelbert Dutcher, DeMotte, Indiana; and Mr. 
Ken Patz, Mr. Jeff Matanich, Mr. Dan Schultz, and Mr. 
Marvin Schultz, Hebron, Indiana. 

St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed 
with the help of the Calumet Lutheran Mission Associa- 
tion and is affiliated with the Indiana District of the Luth- 
eran Church, Missouri Synod. 


EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 


Emmanuel Baptist Church, an independent fundamen- 
tal church, was started on October 10, 1972, by thirty- 
four charter members who met in a private home for an 
organizational meeting. This group then began holding 
services in the Hebron School building, then at the Por- 
ter Crossroads building, and in the Stage Coach Inn be- 
fore moving into their permanent home. 


On September 15, 1974, the congregation moved into 
their new building which is erected south of Hebron on 
Highway 231. This building was under the direction of 
a committee composed of John Int Veld, Lee Duck, Wal- 
ter Stockman, and Wayne Lee. 

The first pastor, who served but a few months, was 
Mr. Thomas Forrester. The congregation then called 
Howard Dillabaugh as interim pastor in May, 1974; and 
later in the same year he became the full-time pastor. 


HEBRON BAPTIST CHURCH 


The Hebron Baptist Church was started early in 1955 
through the work of a man from Merrillville, Mr. Albert 
Mickelos, who worked many hours gathering us together. 
The church first met in a home and as the congregation 
grew, services moved to the old American Legion Build- 
ing located on Highway +2 and subsequently purchased 
the building and held services there. 

On August 1, 1973, the church moved to its present 
location in the east side of Crest Knoll subdivision. At 
first, the services were held in a tent, but on Thanksgiv- 
ing Day the tent was taken down and services were held 
in the new building. 

The pastors of the Hebron Baptist Church have been: 

Reverend Dan Shatz—1955-1957 

Reverend Albertson—1957-1960 

Reverend Don Krise—1960-1965 

Reverend Lester Burkey—1965- 

The definition of this Baptist church is: 

We are a body of batpized believers organized to car- 

ry out the Great Commission. We are an independent 

organization not owned, sustained, or governed by 

any power outside the local church. We, as a Baptist 

Church, cannot join any group outside ourself. We 

may follow fellowship with other churches of like 

faith. We do have fellowship with the General Asso- 
ciation of Regular Baptists and are thereby known 
as G.A.R.B. Church. 


HEBRON ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 


The Hebron Assembly of God Church was started in 
1952 by the Reverend Gerald Dewlen, and services were 
first held on north Main Street in a remodeled garage. 

With the growth of the congregation under the leader- 
ship of the Reverend Don Brown and the Reverend EI- 
mer Marrone, a larger building was soon needed; and in 
1957 property in Crest Knoll was purchased from Mr. 
Virgil King for a church site. 

During the years of 1957 and 1958 a new church, 
forty feet wide and seventy feet long, was constructed 
under the direction of Reverend Kelso Allen. Families in- 
strumental in the formation of the church were: Mr. and 
Mrs. Adolph Kaysen, Mr. and Mrs. James Hullihan, Mr. 
and Mrs. Mearl Cavinder, Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Hershman, 
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Nells Lawrence, 
and Ms. Opal Cavinder. 

Other pastors have been: 

1963-1965—Reverend Eugene Dayka 

1966-1967—Reverend Danny Cuffle 

1967- —Reverend Howard Haberle 


With Church growth, the need for adequate parking 
facilities in 1972 brought about the purchase of land ad- 
jacent to the rear of the church and owned by Mr. Virgil 
King. 

The Assembly of God Church, which has the motto, 
“You're never a stranger, and a guest only once,’”’ now 
has an enrollment of eighty-one. 


....CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. ... 


WILSON-BATES POST #190 
THE AMERICAN LEGION 


The Wilson-Bates Post #190 was originally chartered 
on May 21, 1921, and named after the only Hebron boy 
to be killed in action in World War I, Irvin Wilson. The 
post was rechartered on July 25, 1944, and renamed the 
Wilson-Bates Post including the name of John Hale Bates, 
the first Hebron boy to be killed in World War Il. 

One of the outstanding projects of the Post is sending 
a boy to Boy’s State. This project was started in 1938 
with the honor going to Harold Norris. Since then, except 
for the years of World War Il, the post has sent two boys 
each year, one each from the Hebron and Boone Grove 
areas. Also for over twenty years the Legion sponsored 
a representative in the Legion Oratorical contest. 

Since 1936, the Wilson-Bates Post has had three ma- 
jor moves. In October of 1943, the Post moved from the 
south-west corner of Main and Alyea Streets to the north- 
east corn of Main and Bates streets into the building that 
is now occupied by the Dillabaugh Agency. This property 
had been owned by former State Senator William Brown. 
The Legion occupied this building for thirteen years un- 
til July of 1956 when the property was sold to the Bap- 
tist Church and the Legion moved to the Kenneth Kouts 
property north of town on Highway 2. The land in the 
rear of the building was used for many years as a Girl 
Scout Day Camp. 

Originally this area had been farm land owned by the 
United States government until 1838. Through the years 
the land was owned by various people; and at one time, 
a Mr. Robert Kenney in 1912 built and operated the old 
tile mill in the area. Years later, after a succession of 
owners, Kenneth Kouts operated a hatchery on the site. 
At a special meeting on June 20, 1972, it was voted to 
construct a new building which was ready by December, 
1972. Much of the interior modeling and outside painting 
was done by the members. 


WILSON-BATES UNIT #190 


The Wilson-Bates Unit #190, which was chartered in 
in 1924, was originally called the Wilson Unit. In 1946 
its name was changed to the Wilson-Bates #190 Unit. 
It derives its name from two war heroes, Irvin Wilson, 
the first Hebron to be killed in WWI and John Hale Bates, 
the first in the area to give his life in World War II. 

This unit is a member of the second district of the 
State of Indiana and has a membership of 103. The mem- 
bership consists of mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, 


and granddaughters of members of the American Legion 
who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States 
during any of the following periods: 

April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918 

December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946 

June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955 

August 5, 1964, to August 15, 1973. 

This auxiliary organization meets at the American 
Legion Hall on the second Monday of the month at 8:00 
P.M. 

The purpose of this organization is found in its pre- 
amble which reads: 

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United 
States of America; to maintain law and order, to fos- 
ter and perpetuate a one hundred percent American- 
ism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our 
associations during the great wars; to inculcate a 
sense of individual obligation to community, state, 
and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the 
classes and the masses; to make right the master of 
might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to 
safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles 
of justice, freedom, and democracy; to participate in 
and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims 
and purposes of the American Legion; to consecrate 
and sanctify our association by our devotion to mu- 
tual helpfulness. 


JAYCEES 


The Hebron Jaycees was organized and received its 
charter in February of 1966. This chapter is affiliated 
with the United States Jaycees and is the two-hundred 
twelfth chapter in Indiana to receive a charter. 

The present membership consists of thirty-one young 
men between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. The 
Hebron Jaycees meets on the second and fourth Wed- 
nesdays of the month and devotes its service to the needs 
of the community. It has three annual projects: twice 
each year the members sweep the Main Street of Hebron, 
they participate in the United States Honey Sunday pro- 
gram donating all profits to a deserving charity in the 
Hebron area, and they pick up and dispose of Christmas 
trees after the holidays. 

Assisting the Jaycees is an organization called the 
Jayshees which was organized on August 1, 1974. The 
Jayshees are the wives or fiancees of Jaycee members. 

The Jayshees was organized by Mary Ann Wallace, 
Carole Johnson, Cheryl Blood, Jo Trapp, and Jan Fry. 
At present there are ten members who meet on the sec- 
ond Tuesday of the month in the homes of members. 

One of their projects is the distribution of window 
markers for the Operation Red Ball which is a national 
Jaycee project. 


HEBRON LIONS CLUB 


The Hebron Lions Club, which is a member of Lions 
International, was originally organized in September of 
1948. The charter members were Jack Fry, Erling Kal- 
dahl, C. Deleto, Zeke Fickle, Noble Aylesworth, John 


35 


36 


Mitchell, Ernie Williams, J. Spencer, Herman Bement, 
William Harrington, Paul Evans, Floyd Wahl, Tom Mur- 
phy, Vernon Faxon, Ben Wiltfang, Harvey Evans, Emerson 
Cummins, Wayne Eikenberry, Paul Welker, Maurice Ma- 
son, Joe Von Osinski, Blake Berdine, Franklin.Petry, Car! 
Wood, Art Larsen, Fred Homfield, Henry Kirby, John 
Bierma, Keith Cornell, Clarence Sowards, Walter John- 
son, Oliver Weddle, and Roland Thompson. The numer- 
ous projects of this club included building the cinder 
track at the local school and buying the curtains for the 
stage. Mr. Wayne Eikenberry was the first president. 
Funds for projects were raised by annual minstrel shows 
which are still remembered by the community as it re- 
calls some of the leading characters such as Dave Parent 
as interlocutor, John Mitchell as Hambone, Mel Larson 
as Shiftless, Mason Fickle as Marmaduke, Oswald San- 
ders as Honeydew, Don Scarlet as Sassafras and others. 
In the 1950's the club disbanded, but was again re- 
vived in April of 1969 with the following men listed as 
charter members of the second club: Glen Evans, Cyril 
Fickle, Ken Roberts, Donald Rosenbaum, Donald Bales, 
Paul Stalbaum, Willis Werner, Harold Schroeder, Charles 
Osburn, Russell Shrider, Ronald Price, Lloyd White, 
Theodore Fitzgerald, Melvyn Larsen, Oswald Sanders, 
Richard Blood, Ray Schuster, Kenneth Rosenbaum, Al- 
bert Stemble, Ken Patz, Glen Hartz, Dave Wiltfang, Law- 
rence Strickland, James Osby, Forrest Wietbrock, LeRoy 
Garlack, Donald Taber, George Kats, William Harrington, 
Donald Fickle, Robert Poisel, Donald Fry, Emery Gant, 
and Roger Fox. This group meets on the second and 
fourth Thursdays at the Stagecoach Inn and has fifty 
members. Each year the Lions have as their three main 
projects: Leaderdog school, cancer, and sight. The Heb- 
ron Lions have donated money for the cancer equipment 
at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, have col- 
lected glasses for the sight program, bought and main- 
tained playground equipment for the park in Crest Knoll 
subdivision, and have participated in the foreign exchange 
program sponsored by Lions International. In 1970 Miss 
Gwen Birky, a Hebron student, represented the Hebron 
Lions Club as an exchange student to Lima, Peru, where 
she lived with a Peruvian family during the summer and 
became acquainted with South American culture. In 
1973, a fifteen year old youth, Jose Zirena, from Lima, 
Peru, became a guest of the Hebron Lions Club. He lived 
with the families of the Lions Club and was graduated 
from Hebron High School. The members have also do- 
nated money for the new Childs Park, the basketball 
scoreboard, and the Fire Department’s grass truck. 


MARGARET BRYANT-BLACKSTONE CHARTER 
DAR 


A group of ladies from Hebron and Lowell met Novem- 
ber 22, 1928, at the Connor Bryant farm on Road #2 
southwest of Hebron to organize two DAR chapters. These 
two have since been known as the ‘‘Twin Chapters,”’ of 
which only one is on record. 

The local chapter was named for the first white girl 
born in Boone Township, Margaret Jane Bryant. She later 
married Dr. John King Blackstone. 


Each of the 2983 chapters located in the fifty states, 
governed by the National Society of Washington D.C., 
assists in Americanism, Indiana Schools, conservation, 
good citizens, DAR schools, and many other projects. 

The chapter meets the second Tuesday in the homes. 
There are approximately forty members, and to be eli- 
gible the applicant must be a direct descendant of a Rev- 
olutionary War veteran. Those assisting in the organiza- 
tion of the local chapter were Miss Nettie L. Bryant, Mrs. 
Henry Hogan, Mrs. Harry Folsom, and Mrs. Giles Ayles- 
worth; the latter suggested the name of the chapter. 


HEBRON FORTNIGHTLY CLUB 


The Hebron Fortnightly Club is one of the oldest clubs 
in the town. It was organized in 1911 as a social and per- 
sonal improvement club. In 1937 it became affiliated 
with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. 

One of the greatest contributions of this organization 
occurred in September 1917 when the club ladies pur- 
chased the present site of the Hebron Public Library for 
$1,300. Mr. M. E. Dinsmore, the library board president, 
mortgaged his own home until the board had funds to 
take over. On September 14, 1917, the club received 
$7,500 from the Carnegie Corporation for the establish- 
ment of the library. 

Through the years this club has supported numerous 
civic projects. At the present time it offers an annual 
$100 scholarship each spring. Fortnightly Club is also 
raising funds for the public library and for the newly 
founded Vernon Childs Memorial Park. 


MOTHERS OF WORLD WAR II UNIT 176 


In 1950 Mrs. Margaret Johnson and a few mothers 
met in September to discuss formation of the MOTHERS 
OF WORLD WAR II. Membership in this organization is 
a way of reminding the people of World War Il, the call 
to service, and the resulting sacrifices. 

The first officers who were installed in December of 
1950 were: Mrs. Anna Johnson, president; Mrs. Cora 
Norris, first vice-president; Mrs. Edith Thompson, sec- 
ond vice-president; Mrs. Mary Saylor, recording secre- 
tary; Mrs. Ella Thompson, financial secretary; Mrs. Ruth 
McMillan, treasurer; Mrs. Mabel Garner, chaplain; Mrs. 
Irene Carr, historian; Mrs. Helen Doyle, Sergeant-At- 
Arms. 

Besides the officers, other charter members were Mrs. 
Clara Douglas, Mrs. Mae Donnahue, Mrs. Helda Garvey, 
Mrs. Laura Faxon, Mrs. Maud Sherwood, and Mrs. Stock- 
man. 

The group first met in homes, then in the school cafe- 
teria, K of P Lodge Hall, the basement of the library, and 
presently is meeting in the Stage Coach Inn. 

During the war years the philanthropic works of the 
club were centered on helping servicemen. For example, 
in 1951, the club received gift lists from veterans who 
were hospitalized in the Crown Point Sanitarium, and the 
members saw that each of these men received a special 
gift at Christmas. The members have hemmed towels 
for Porter Memorial Hospital and the Marion Hospital, 


cut and sewed carpet rags, sewed quilt blocks for the 
Knightstown Home, made surgical wrappings, given 
monetary gifts to veteran hospitals, polio funds, cancer 
funds, and to families of veterans. 

Today, the MOTHERS OF WORLD WAR Il has a mem. 
bership of thirty-one mothers who meet the first Wednes- 
day of each month. The ladies are making bibs for vete- 
rans who are severely handicapped and hospitalized, sew- 
ing lap robes for nursing homes, and still supporting the 
veterans’ hospitals financially. 


HEBRON COMMERCIAL CLUB 


The Hebron Commercial Club, which was organized in 
1937, meets on the second Thursday of each month. This 
group, which is dedicated to the promotion of business 
and the general welfare of the community now has a 
membership of twenty-two. The forerunner of this club 
was the Men’s Club, organized in 1927, whose main 
project was decorating the town Christmas Tree and pro- 
viding treats for the children. This project, assisted by 
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, is still carried on today. 

In 1939 the Men’s Club adopted a constitution and 
became the Commercial Club. The charter members of 
the organization were Hoag Dinsmore, Louis Alyea, Da- 
vid Root, Roland Thompson, Noble Aylesworth, Virgil O. 
King, Harry Mockler, Walter Johnson, Warren Phillips, 
Herb Rosenthal, Rush Hughes, Lee Buchanan, Monte 
Morrow, Earl Hiatt, Robert McGinley, Perry Clark, Ver- 
non Childs, John DeKock, Franklin Petry, and Ray Fry. 

The projects of this organization have benefited the 
town in many ways. The Commercial Club was instru- 
mental along iwth other organizations in starting the 
Scout Cabin and still supports it financially with funds 
raised by its annual Chicken bar-b-que dinner. For many 
years the club sponsored a Halloween party for the young- 
sters. Also, it was responsible for many of the street signs 
placed around the town. During the Christmas season the 
members buy and help maintain the decorations. 


AYLESWORTH CLUB 


Late in September, 1912, the women east of town, in 
what is called Aylesworth, gathered at the home of Mrs. 
Emery Dye to honor her with a baby shower. That was 
such an enjoyable event that it was decided to meet at 
the Lillian Aylesworth home two weeks later to make 
plans for a club. At this meeting Mrs. Sadie Aylesworth 
acted as chairman and officers were elected. Meetings 
were held every two weeks at the members’ homes until 
1923. That year a building used by the gravel roadmen, 
located on railroad property, was offered to the club for 
$50. The women bought it and moved it to a plot of land 
that was rented from Gus Johnson for a dollar a year. 
The club purchased this property in 1960. In 1927 an 
addition was built on the north side for a kitchen by the 
husbands. The completely rebuilt clubhouse was finished 
in 1970. 

Charter members of the club in 1912 were: Mesdames 
Eliza Jane Aylesworth, Florence Aylesworth, Grace Ayles- 
worth, Lillian Aylesworth, Sadie Aylesworth, Nettie Ayles- 


worth, Miss Hannah Brody, Carrie Casbon, Mary Dye, 
Mary Gilson, Emma Hallberg, Augusta Koehler, Florence 
Leeka, Lila Walters, Cora Sams, and Josephine Swartz. 


THE HEBRON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB 


The Hebron Senior Citizens’ meetings were started in 
the 1960’s when Reverend Donald Duggleby, minister of 
the United Methodist Church, and Mrs. Flo Nichols, di- 
rector of the Home Missions, organized the first meet- 
ings. These meetings are held mainly in the Fellowship 
room of the church. Anyone over the age of sixty, re- 
gardless of church affiliation, has been invited to attend. 
The meetings generally consist of potluck dinner, short 
programs, and especially, fellowship. In October, 1969, 
Mrs. Edmond L. Hough assumed directorship of the 
meetings. Some of the Hebron Citizens have been work- 
ing with the R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 
at Valparaiso. 


SOUTH COUNTY BELLES 


The South County Belles Home Demonstration Club, 
which is affiliated with the National Home Demonstration 
Club, was organized in this area in January, 1954. The 
group meets on the first Monday of the month in the 
homes of the members. At the present time there are ap- 
proximately seventeen members. 

Homemaking lessons are given at the county level by 
Purdue or local personnel and then presented to the lo- 
cal clubs. Homemaking is the main interest of the group. 
Two projects of the homemarkers are working with the 
bloodmobile and baking birthday cakes for the men and 
women at the Porter County Home. 


BOONE TOWNSHIP EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS 


On March 12, 1935, ten ladies met at the Aylesworth 
School House to form a home economics club. It was de- 
cided at that time to meet the fourth Wednesday of the 
month and to have a penny collection. The first collection 
netted the club six cents. 


In 1938 the group joined the State Home Economics 
Association and in 1943 it became a part of the annual 
meetings held at Purdue University. The club, also dur- 
ing that year, was honored to have Mrs. Mabel Carpenter 
as the county president. In 1946 this economics club was 
one of the twenty in Porter County and 1,246 such clubs 
in the state of Indiana. 

Through the years the club has made donations to the 
Riley Children’s Hospital, Red Cross, Lela Gaddis Home 
at Purdue University, and Cancer Fund. It has also had 
members who baked cakes for the men at the Porter 
County home and made Pinkie puppets for the hospital. 


MASONIC LODGE 
The Hebron Lodge #502 and Accepted Masons was 


constituted in May, 1875, and has grown to its present 
membership of over two hundred members. Membership 


37 


38 


is made by petition of males, age 21 or over and of good 
moral character. 

The lodge meets the first Monday of each month and 
is governed by the Worshipful Master and his elected 
and appointed officers. This lodge practices under the 
Grand Lodge of the state of Indiana whose main prin- 
ciples include brotherly love, relief, and truth. The Hebron 
Lodge rededicated the Mason Temple on Main Street of 
Hebron on June 14, 1975, the one-hundredth anniversary 
of Progress in Hebron. 


HEBRON CHAPTER 119 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR 


The Hebron Chapter #119 Order of the Eastern Star 
was the first chapter to be organized in the county fol- 
lowed by chapters organized in Valparaiso and Chester- 
ton. The Hebron Chapter was constituted on April 28, 
1892. The thirty charter members were: Carrie Baker, 
Jane Sampson, Minnie Nelson, Lavina Beattie, John J. 
Beattie, M. Stinchfield, Phoebe Stinchfield, Carrie Hub- 
bard, Margaret Kenny, L. Scott, George Gregg, Jennie 
Gregg, R. S. Kenny, Anna Carson, Flora Baker, John L. 
Baker, George Moss, J. Morrow, Nettie C. Morrow, Mattie 
Nichols, S. Mcintyre, H. B. Kenny, J. E. Carson, Janie 
Carson, Maggie Adams, John Carson, Mrs. S. Kithcart, 
William C. Nichols, D. Fisher, and Mrs. E. Fisher. Carrie 
Hubbard was the first worthy matron and George C. 
Gregg was the first worthy patron. 

The original name of the chapter was the Spencer 
Baker Chapter, but this was changed in 1935 to the 
Hebron Chapter #119. The present membership is two 
hundred and forty, and the meetings are held in the Ma- 
sonic Temple on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each 
month except in July and August. One of the main phil- 
anthropical projects is the financial support given to the 
Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana. 


CUB SCOUTS 


The Hebron Cub Scout Pack #26 has been a contin- 
uous organization since 1954. It is a member of the Na- 
tional Organization of Scouting. Each den meets weekly, 
and once a month a general meeting with all dens is held. 
The original sponsor of this pack was the Hebron Lion's 
Club. It was then sponsored for a number of years by 
the American Legion Post #190, and this year it is again 
sponsored by the Lions. One of the big projects of the 
Cub Scouts is their annual clean-up day. In 1974 the 
pack has a membership of sixty; this the largest pack in 
the Dunes District. 


HEBRON BOY SCOUTS 
The Hebron Boy Scout troop, which belong to the Na- 


tional Scout Organization, has been a very active organ- 
ization even before 1936. In 1933 Mr. Mart Marsden 


~ was the scout master, and the meetings were held in the 


old American Legion Hall that stood on the corner where 
Alyea’s car lot now stands. The troop at that time was 
#35, and the boys enjoyed their camping which was 
done at Glen Down's cabin on the Kankakee River. 


Scout masters after Marsden were Franklin Petry and 
Neil Hough. It was during Mr. Hough's leadership that the 
troop was reformed and ended up with its present num- 
ber of 26. In 1945 Harry Stockman became the scout 
master with Robert Moran as his assistant, and the spon- 
sorship of the troop was transferred from the American 
Legion to the Hebron Commercial Club. 


At the present time the twenty-four members of the 
troop, which is sponsored by the Hebron Commercial 
Club, meet weekly. In the past seven years five scouts, 
Mark Fisher, Curtis Curry, Benedict Yankauskas, III, John 
Wineland, and Phillip Cooley, have attained the rank of 
Eagle Scout. This group, along with the Cub Scouts and 
the Girl Scouts, helps with the annual community clean- 
up project. It also has paper drives and builds a Fourth 
of July float. 


GIRL SCOUTS 


The Girl Scouts, which belong to the national organi- 
zation, have been active in Hebron and Boone Township 
since the latter part of the 1920's. For many years the 
meetings of the group were held in the basement of the 
Hebron Library, but in 1956 the girls were invited to use 
the Scout Cabin. This cabin, located in the town park next 
to the Methodist Church, was built in 1946 on property 
donated to the town by the Sigler family. It was stipulated 
at that time that the land was to be used as park by the 
town. The Commercial Club and other organizations were 
instigators of the cabin which was built with money re- 
ceived from donations. Most of the work was gratis. The 
original building, which is still used today, has an out- 
side construction of half-round siding, milled to resem- 
ble logs. It has a cedar shake roof and a fireplace that 
was built from old Valparaiso paving bricks. 

In 1956 an addition was added which consisted of a 
kitchen facility, restrooms, and a new furnace. Prior to 
this addition, the cabin had been used only by the Boy 
Scouts. The Commercial Club still sponsors the cabin 
and raises money for this project by an annual chicken 
barbeque. The profits of this project go for utilities, in- 
surance, and repairs on the cabin. All levels of Girl Scout- 
ing have been carried out including Brownies, Juniors, 
Cadettes, and Senior Scouts. At the present there are 
two Junior Girl Scout troops and one Cadette Girl Scout 
troop with an approximate total of fifty-five girls involved 
in the program. 


WRONG WAY SQUARES 


The Wrong Way Squares, one of the newest clubs in 
Hebron, was formed in 1972 by Mr. and Mrs. Neal Wil- 
son and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Wilson. This club meets, 
with Mr. Joe Brown of Crown Point as the caller, the 
second and fourth Saturdays at Hebron High School. 
When the club was formed, it had a membership of 16 


which has now grown to 51. Dance lessons are given 


every fall to prospective members. This club is affiliated 
with the Northern Indiana Callers and Dancers Associa- 
tion and with the Indiana Dancer Association. 


HISTORY OF KOUTS & PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 


Prepared by the American Revolution Bicentennial Com- 
mittee of Kouts & Pleasant Township. Mrs. Emil Hofferth, 
History Chairman. This history is supplemented with a 
centennial history book published in 1965 and available 
in Kouts & Porter County public libraries. 


.... EARLY EXPLORATION .... 


Around the year 1673 Jesuit missionaries, Fathers 
Claude Allouey and Claude Dablon landed in the lake 
region that is now Porter County, covered the territory to 
the Kankakee River. The next year Father Jaques Mar- 
quette paddled up the Kankakee to its source on his re- 
turn trip from the Mississippi. In 1679 a famous band, 
Robert Cavelier Sieur de LaSalle the leader, and Chevalier 
de Tonti, the lieutenant. The next spring, LaSalle returned 
with three companions and passed through this territory 
on foot. In 1711, the natives of this area came under 
the influence of Father Chardon, a missionary. 


vows PROLOGUE 5... 
FOUNDING OF PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 


The Pottawatomies in 1832 ceded to the United States 
the territory that is now our township. During the ‘‘gen- 
eral division’ April 12, 1836 Pleasant Township was 
formed. The name was suggested by its location and 
appearance. In July 1836, a country road was established 
from the quarter post on the north line of Section 30 
Township 35 Range 5 to Sherwood Ferry on the Kan- 
kakee. This was probably one of the first planned roads 
of the new township. During the March 1841 meeting 
of the County Board of Commissioners, Morgan and Por- 
ter Townships were taken from the north side of the 
Pleasant Township, as well as Boone Township from the 
west side leaving an area of approximately 58 square 
miles. Pleasant Township still remains the largest town- 
ship in the county. 

John Sherwood was the first white settler in the town- 
ship, coming here with his family in 1834. The first 
election for township officer, a justice of the peace, was 
held at the house of Henry Adams on April 30, 1836 
when eleven votes were polled. Lewis Comer was elected 
unanimously and became the first justice of the peace. 

The first birth was the birth of Henry, the son of 
William and Gillie Ann Trinkle, December 2, 1835. The 
first marriage was that of a Miss Jones to Alexander 
Wright about 1839, and the first death was that of 
Jeremiah, son of John Sherwood. 


.... THE SAGA OF THE KANKAKEE .... 


The Kankakee River rises near South Bend and flows 
southwestward and forms the southern boundary of Plea- 
sant Township. Named by a band of Indians of the 
Mohican tribe who called themselves ‘‘Wolves’’. They 


took Refuge at the head waters of the Kankakee when 
driven from their homes thus the name ‘“‘The Ak’’ (wolf) 
and “a Ki’’ (land) meaning Wolf land. Here the Potta- 
watomi Indians settled before the Civil War. Their first 
settlement was called Mayesvile and was located across 
the road from the George Wilcox home. The large tree 
standing at the entrance of the Reif home was the first 
Indian Trading Post. Many arrowheads, human bones, 
and Indian beads have been found there through the 
years. 

The Kankakee River and Baum’s Bridge which spans 
it are both very familiar to the people of the area. The 
bridge is located about five miles southwest of Kouts on 
the Baum’s Bridge Road. The road still winds around 
and up and down just like the Indian Trail it was for 
centuries. The bridge was named for Enos Baum who 
came to that place in 1860, started a sawmill and went 
into the lumber business. Years before the bridge was 
built there was a ferry located there. 

In early days this territory was known as ‘‘Hunters 
Paradise’ because the natural wilderness was the home 
of all kinds of wild life and plentiful fishing. The two 
creeks that added to the riches of the township were: 
Crooked Creek on the east, so called because of its very 
crooked course and Sandy Hook on the west, both empty- 
ing into the Kankakee. There were no direct roads to 
Pleasant Township for the settlers, only a round about 
route to LaPorte and then south until they found a spot 
they wanted to settle. Land had to be cleared and homes 
built on high spots which were the only places not in- 
undated in the spring. 

In 1875, President Grant’s son, and the president’s 
son-in-law Algernon Sartoris, were on a hunting expedi- 
tion detached from any club and came at the close of 
the day to the Peter Lauer home and asked for food and 
lodging. Algernon, a wealthy Englishman, who had hunted 
in the best known game areas of Europe, Canada, and 
other parts of the United States, declared the Kankakee 
marsh was superior to any place he had ever been. 
Evidently board and lodging were satisfactory for they 
stayed several days. 

Another special visitor got stuck on a sand bar in the 
same area and after being assisted to free his boat 
identified himself as President Benjamin Harrison. He 
asked the name and adress of his helper and in apprecia- 
tion, free seeds came for at least two decades from Wash- 
ington, D.C. President Harrison became a regular visitor 
of the Baum’s Bridge district of the Kankakee. 

Of interest to these parts is Dunn’s Bridge that spans 
the river on what used to be Dunn’s farm which was on 
both sides of the river. The steel arches of the Ferris: 
Wheel used in the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 
were used in 1894 to build a bridge 180 feet long and 
16 feet wide. North of the bridge on the east. side 
of the road was a large club house known as Burrows 
Camp. It was the scene of much revelry on weekends and 
holidays until it was destroyed by fire. 


39 


40 


The drainage of the Kankakee by the Marble, Reeves, 
Cook and other ditches has in recent years been a con- 
troversial subject between those who claim that the con- 
struction of the vast network of ditches has resulted in 
thousands of acres of land being thrown open to culti- 
vation, and those who claim that the destruction of wild 
life of the Kankakee territory for hunters and fisherman 
from all parts of the country removed one of nature's 
greatest works of art, and robbed Porter County of one 
of its greatest assets. 


NAMING OF KOUTS 


When surveyors, working for the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, 
and St. Davis Railroad were working in the township, 
they looked for a place to stay. Mrs. Trinkle was busy 
at the time (she lived 114 miles from the present loca- 
tion) and so she sent them on to board at Mrs. Kouts’ 
home. The men designated this spot for a station and 
it was named after Mrs. Kouts and the town was laid out 
around it. In May 1867 it became known as Kouts 
station and then in November 1882, Kout and finally 
Kouts on December 10, 1889. 


EARLY INDUSTRY 


Very few attempts have been made to establish manu- 
facturing enterprises in Kouts. Hackman erected a saw- 
mill on the bank of the Kankakee River in the very early 
days but sold it in the 1870's. 


H. A. Wright started a cheese factory about 1877, but 
shortly abandoned the undertaking. Jerry Ryan started 
an ax-handle factory, in 1887, which employed five or 
six men, but the lack of suitable timber discontinued the 
business. 


Before the straightening of the Kankakee and the 
digging of dredge ditches which turned all the area into 
productive farm lands, the big business was the cutting 
and bailing of marsh hay. 

Albright and Ely, representatives of the Elkart Lumber 
Company had a sawmill on East Mentor Street, but it 
was destroyed by a fire in the early 1920's. In 1915 a 
reed furniture basket factory was started by George Mroz 
in the Glissman building. From this building it moved to 
the Frazier Building. After a few years the factory moved 
to LaPorte. In the 1920’s Dodson had a so called pickle 
factory in Kouts. The vats were located east of the 
Kouts Elevator along the Pennsylvania Railroad. 


Sis: > UNE Ee ogg 
THE BANKS 


The first bank building in Kouts was constructed in 
1902 to house the ‘‘Bank of Kouts’’. This institution 
was sold to a group of citizens who formed the Porter 
County Band in 1909. When it was granted a state char- 
ter in 1919, it became known as the Porter County State 
Bank. In the later 1930's this bank was closed and the 
town remained without banking facilities until August 


1945 when the Kouts State Bank was re-opened. It was in 
operation for two decades before it merged with the 
Farmers State Bank and Trust Co. which went into 
effect January 1, 1967. Finally on Thursday, September 
19, 1968 a new bank building was opened for use and 
it has remained in use to this writing. 


THE KOUTS CREAMERY 


A group of townsmen and farmers led by a better 
business promoter pooled their resources and built the 
Kouts Creamery in 1912. Later it was sold out to Martin 
Walters whose sons continued the business. The building 
was shortly taken over by the Bowman Dairy in 1925. 
Farmers hauled milk for a radius of twenty miles to the 
dairy where it was tested, cooled, and piped into a thermos 
truck for its journey to Chicago. Ed Capouch was the 
first dairy manager. 

Chris Daumer, owner and manager of the thermos 
trucks, bought and renovated the former Ford garage built 
by George Knoll. With newer methods of milk handling, 
Bowman Dairy closed in November of 1951. Heinold 
Elevator bought the building and uses it as a storage 
place. 


.... HEINOLD OPERATIONS .... 
HEINOLD ELEVATORS 


In 1937 the Heinold family purchased the Kouts Roller 
Mills and after remodeling it put it into operation. The 
company expanded and in 1964 had elevators operating 
in Aylesworth, Knox, Boone, Grove, Rensselaer, and a 
Research and Feeder project at Kingsbury. Also in 1968 
a feed mill was added to the company. 


HEINOLD HOG MARKET 


In 1950 Harold Heinold started a county hog buying 
station and in the first year 35,800 hogs went through 
the market. As other farmers in Indiana and Illinois heard 
about the market, they encouraged him to start hog buy- 
ing markets in their localities. Then in 1955 there were 
five hog markets and 200,000 hogs went through the 
market. These markets were swiftly accepted and this 
established a policy of putting markets only where far- 
mers ask for them. By 1960 five more markets had 
been added in Illinois and the volume swelled to over 
1,000,000 a year. The markets provided a quick easy 
way to sell and buy hogs for the farmers and the farmers 
could get their money immediately upon delivering hogs. 
In 1966 it became the largest hog market in the world 
selling and buying 2.2 million hogs. 


HEINOLD CATTLE MARKET 


In late 1968 Heinold’s started a cattle market 
which is now rapidly expanding handling about 200,000 
head a year. In 1971 the operation was divided into two 
parts, feeder cattle for producers and fat cattle. Overall 
Heinold’s operations in Kouts have provided a very im- 


portant industry and an expanding area. In fact, recently 
Heinold’s merged with an already famous company, 
DeKalb. 


HORN’S CHOCOLATE 


In 1960 Mr. Horn started a hand-poured candy shop 
with $300 and a bank loan of $1,000. When business 
became profitable, Horn turned it into a factory which 
now sells over 2 million pounds of chocolate a year. 
He has become a millionaire with his business spread- 
ing across the entire United States. 


THE KOUTS POST OFFICE 


According to records from the Federal Government, 
the first name of our town was Foster, and Peter C. 
Bonham was temporary postmaster. 

On May 14, 1867 Hilary Wright was appointed post- 
master of Kouts Station, a fourth class office. Sebastian 
Douglas succeeded Wright. Lyman Atkins was appointed 
on December 4, 1882 to Kouts. His office was in Dr. 
Atkins’, his brother, drug store. On February 5, 1886 
Jim O'Brian took up the duties in the store. Truman 
S. Caswell relieved Jim O'Brian and had the Post Office 
in a small building, office, and home combination across 
the alley from the old Post Office on what is now the 
Dittmer Property. On March 27, 1902, Charles Wolbrandt 
was appointed postmaster, and for the first time Kouts 
had an office in a building which was exclusively a Post 
Office. 

On August 23, 1913, Burt Hofferth was awarded the 
job and it was during his tenure that the business out- 
grew its first building. A larger building was built just 
east of the old one. It was during these years that 
Kouts became a third class office. About every time 
politics changed there was a new postmaster. On No- 
vember 1, 1953 Lester Rhymard was awarded the posi- 
tion and in 1955 the Post Office moved from its location 
of over half a century to its new home on State Road 
#49. With increased business due to growth of town 
and community, Kouts became a second class office in 
1954. 

In 1971 a new Post Office was built. It is a brick 
structure located on the corner of Elizabeth and Maple 
Street. It is a colonial style and has 1,920 square feet 
of interior space for the working area. The new Post 
Office officially opened for business on Monday, Novem- 
ber 1, 1971. 


.... GHURCHES . 2... 
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 


Many realized a need of the First Baptist Church in 
January of 1960 when the First Baptist Church of Ho- 
bart offered assistance. Until the church was completed, 
services were held in Harold Heinold’s and Pete Hud- 
son’s offices. 

A French type building was constructed in the summer 
of 1960 in the southeast corner of Pleasant View Sub- 


division. During July of 1964 this building was con- 
verted into the parsonage. The construction of the first 
main unit of the church proper was completed in February 
1965, and will be the place of worship until the main 
sanctuary can be built. 


SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH 


The Southern Baptist Church opened and folded in the 
year 1974. It was located in the old Presbyterian Church 
across from the Catholic Church on State Road 8. 


CATHOLIC CHURCH 


Fahter Michael O’Reilly, of Valparaiso, took charge 
of the Kouts Catholic mission in August of 1864. 
Between 1864 and 1883 he came once in two months 
and then up to May 1887, once a month. As the few 
Catholics were too poor to build a church, the services 
were held in different residences. 


In 1883 a meeting was called to build a church and 
about $700 was subscribed. A church dinner was held 
for the same purpose on July 24, 1884. Father O'Reilly 
then bought the present church lots. Soon afterward the 
frame church was built where the rectory is now. Father 
O'Reilly had great hopes that the congregation would 
soon be large enough to have a resident pastor, there- 
fore the church was built in such a manner that it could 
easily be converted to a schoolhouse. 


From then on Father O'Reilly administered spiritual 
care and held services for the members of the church 
once a month until May of 1887. The tornado of May 
26, 1917 completely destroyed the church; services were 
held for nearly a year in the old Kouts High School. A 
new church was built in April of 1918 at a cost of about 
$7000. Services were being held in the old Community 
Hall during the building of the present church which 
was begun in February 1926. The new church costing 
approximately $24,000 was dedicated October 31, 1926. 
Kouts again was struck by a cyclone on May 28, 1935 
which did minor damage to the church when a tree 
toppled against the west side of the building necessitating 
repair work. 


CHRISTIAN CHURCH 


In the spring of 1885, after more than a dozen people 
were baptized to Christ, Ellis B. Cross, Lyman Atkins, and 
Joseph Barnes expressed the need of a Christian Church 
in Kouts. Mrs. Rose Yoder donated ground on which 
a frame church was constructed. The church was finished 
and dedicated in 1887, facing north on State Road 8. 

On May 26, 1917, a cyclone which struck Kouts, 
leveled the Christian Church. The congregation met else- 
where until the new church was built. It was completed 
and ready for dedication March 17, 1919. The parsonage 
was built from salvaged material of the Gem Theater. It 
was constructed south of the present church. The 
present Christian Church was ready for dedication on 
April 18, 1971 and was built on Poland Avenue. 


4] 


42 


ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 


The first Lutheran worship service in Kouts was held 
in August of 1873. Often services were held, usually on 
Sunday afternoons, in the homes of various members. 

The first Lutheran Church—the first church in Plea- 
sant Township—was dedicated at a cost of $600 on the 
first Sunday in September 1880. This frame building 
served as the Parish Hall until it was torn down in the 


. fall of 1973. The present brick church was dedicated 


December 13, 1908. It was built at the cost of $3500. 


HOPEWELL MENNONITE CHURCH 


The first worship services of the Mennonites were held 
in homes or in the Lauer School. Bishop J. C. Birky of 
Hopedale, Illinois guided the congregation in establishing 
the Hopewell Mennonite Church. (In naming it Hopewell 
he said, “‘We Hope well for the new church.’’) A new 
church was built where the large communications tower 
stands one mile south of Kouts. It was dedicated Sep- 
tember 28, 1919. 

In 1949, the Hopewell congregation decided to start 
a Sunday School service in the English Lake vicinity where 
there was no church at that time, and obtained the Eng- 
lish Lake School for that purpose. In 1952, plans were 
made for a new church building. The present church is 
located on State Road 49 on the North edge of Kouts 
on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Birky. The 
church was dedicated October 26, 1952. 


FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF KOUTS 


The First Presbyterian Congregation built a church in 
1855. It was built with the understanding that other 
denominations should have free use of the house of wor- 
ship at times when the Presbyterians were not using it. 
This first church was in the town of Tassinong. As the 
town was gradually abandoned, the church closed and 
the congregation reorganized in Kouts. The _ building 
itself was moved here and later used as a family dwelling. 

Presbyterians then held services in O’Briens Hall. Soon 
the group began a fund raising campaign to be used in 
building a church. In 1936 the need for more room was 
felt and a house was moved in and added on the north 
side. A big cookstove was installed and a social center 
was then available to its members. 

For lack of attendance the church was closed in the 
early 40’s and due to efforts of numerous people the 
church was reorganized and opened for service in 1948. 
August 1, 1971 the ground breaking ceremonies were 
held for the Presbyterian Church. The first shovelsful of 
earth were turned by members of the congregation. The 
first worship service at the new site was held out of 
doors. The Service of Dedication was held June 11, 1972 
at 10 a.m. 


....DOCTORS OF MEDICINE IN KOUTS .... 


DENTISTRY 


The first dentist was Dr. Hiel and he resided in Kouts 


in the early 1900’s. He was succeeded by Dr. Charles 
L. Bartholomeu of Valparaiso in 1912. Dr. Bartholomeu 
worked one day a week in Kouts. Then Dr. Frank Ling 
of Hebron took over, again for only one day a week. He 
was followed by Dr. Myers in 1915 who used Dr. Hill’s 
offices. He was the son-in-law of the Christian minister, 
Mr. Whitt. In the 1920’s Dr. G. R. Conover from Val- 
paraiso served Kouts one day a week from his offices on 
Mentor Street. From then until 1960 Kouts was aided 
by dentists from Valparaiso, Hebron, La Crosse, Wanatah, 
Wheatfield, and North Judson. 


On September 1, 1960 Dr. Robert E. Hott opened his 
office in the Runyan building on the East side of Main 
Street and in 1962 moved to the new Medical Arts 
Building. 


OPTOMETRY 


In 1963 Dr. John Wright opened an office in the Medi- 
cal Arts Building in which he attended to patients one day 
a week. Currently Dr. Larry Sayer has office hours in 
Kouts. 


Various doctors of medicine have appeared in his- 
tory and in quick review we will rename them: Dr. 
Adtkins, Dr. Ibach, Dr. Killag, Dr. Welch, Dr. Sprague, 
Dr. McKee, Dr. Ellis, Dr. Hockett, and Dr. Chevigny. Then 
in 1912 from Charleston, Illinois came Dr. and Mrs. S. E. 
Dittmer and son Jack. He began practicing medicine in 
an office over Cunningham's Store. His skill especially 
as a diagnostician, his wit and humor and great com- 
passion endeared him to his patients. His sons, Jack 
and Tom, are both outstanding physicians and surgeons 
maintining a joint office in Valparaiso while Jack also 
has an office in Kouts. 


.«.- SCHOOLS .... 


As most of the earliest settlers located in the eastern 
part of Pleasant Township between the county line and 
Crooked Creek, it should be obvious that the first school 
would be in that area. In 1838 a small log school house 
was erected on Section 13, Township 33, Range 5, a short 
distance south of where the Pennsylvania railroad entered 
Porter County in 1864. It was built by the patrons of 
the school and had the customary clay fireplace and 
greased paper windows. A pioneer teacher said that 
these windows possessed a great advantage over glass 
ones, in that they admitted light but prevented lazy 
pupils from gazing out the windows instead of studying. 
A larger schoolhouse was erected upon the same sec- 
tion a little later. Several years later a frame school- 
house, the first in the township, was built on Dunn’s 
Bridge Road running past the Sommers and Olsen’s 
homes across the road and midway between. It was 
called the Bowman School since the Thornton Bowman 
family lived in a house directly across the road from it. 


Another log schoolhouse was erected the same year, 
1838, on Section 13, Township 33, Range 6 about a mile 
and a half west of the present town of Kouts. It was 


built by the cooperative labor of the patrons and at the 
first term in the fall of that year eleven scholars were 
enrolled. Perhaps this was the Spencer School. No record 
of the early patrons could be found. 

In the early 1880's old Morrison School became over- 
crowded so the patrons bought the Ellis School which 
was not being used due to lack of pupils. It was located 
on the corner of the Ed Ellis farm, a mile east and a mile 
north of Kouts across the road from the Harley Birky 
home. They moved it on skids to a site on the east-west 
road-near the Wilcox farms southeast of the Morrison 
School. 

Due to the dilapidated condition of the Bowman School, 
and a change in population, a new block stone school was 
built in 1904 on land leased from the McWilliams Land 
Company. It had a large room that often accommodated 
forty or more pupils in all the grades. It was located 
just across the road from Chriss Pfledderer’s home and 
was called Lauer School because Peter Lauer was the 
earliest settler in that community. 

In 1880 a committee composed of Abraham Stowell, 
Fred Hamann, Henry Smith, and William Miller drove to 
the Court House in Valparaiso to petition for a school 
in that area. Since this was in the far southeast corner 
of Pleasant Township it necessitated a journey of over 
twenty miles over dirt roads and a full days time. Chair- 
man Stowell agreed to donate the land and by the fall 
of 1880 a frame building was readied for school on the 
southwest corner of the Stowell farm. The site is di- 
agonally across from the present site of the Baptist 
Children’s Home. 

Through the years Stowell was the school to which 
beginning teachers always were sent to work out their 
apprenticeship. Practice teaching was unheard of prior 
to 1927 and to be a teacher, principal, janitor, and arbiter 
in a country school really tested the mettle of an aspiring 
candidate for teaching. The enrollment averaged in the 
30’s and 40’s for all eight grades. 

While several school buildings in the township burned 
out of existence, the old Five Points School was so badly 
damaged in the cyclone of 1917 that it was necessary to 
build a new one. The old frame structure was moved 
and a brick structure replaced it on a site diagonally 
across the road. 

With further settling of the Kankakee marsh land a 
new school was needed 2 miles south of Kouts which was 
built of brick and ready for use in the fall of 1917. It was 
called Cook since the Cook brothers took over the Mc- 
William Land Company and developed the area. 

Prior to 1894 the schools were in the hands of a school 
board composed of patrons of their respective schools. 
This board was in complete charge of the school, hiring 
and firing the teacher, keeping the building in repair, 
furnishing the fuel, etc. One of the conservative mem- 
bers replaced broken window panes with sheets of gal- 
vanized steel because the children could not break them. 
Eyestrain was unheard of. 

With consolidation in 1937 the Stowell School was 
moved and made into a residence occupied by the Lloyd 
Miller family. Marshall Grove and Five Points were con- 
verted into residences on their original sites. Lauer, 


Morrison, and Cook were razed and the sites reverted to 
the owner on whose land they were located. The old 
Kouts School, located across the street from the present 
Kouts High School, was purchased and used as a storage 
space. Through the years, with much effort and deter- 
mination apartments have been and are still being built 
in the building. 

Despite all the seeming deprivation of the district 
schools those pupils enjoyed a privilege from 1914 to 
1918 not offered today. There was a music and art 
teacher who visited every school on a regular schedule. 
In the art course such mediums as scissors and paste, 
crayons, charcoal and water colors were used. The work 
was all free hand and was directed according to the best 
art practices. 

When the Chicago and Atlantic Railroad was built in 
1881 the patrons feared for the safety of their children 
so close to the “‘iron horse’. Their anxiety over a period 
of years resulted in the second school building in the 
town of Kouts. It was a two story four room building 
and stood on the southwest corner of State Road 49 
and Elizabeth Street. The first building was moved across 
the Erie Railroad to the present site of the water tower. 
Here it was added to and made into the ‘‘Hunter’s Home”’ 
a hotel that accommodated some of the many hunters 
that invaded the Kankakee area during the hunting 
season. 

This second building was destroyed by fire on March 
9, 1896, a fire that threatened to destroy all the build- 
ings in the block. People had their belongings packed 
and ready to go but throwing water on their roofs with 
buckets managed to save them. The classes that term 
were finished in O’Briens Hall for the older children 
while the first and second grades attended school in the 
old Catholic Church. 

The first brick school building was completed in time 
for school in the fall of 1896. It had four large rooms, 
two upstairs and two downstairs. The building was con- 
structed at a cost of $5000. It was built to house the 
first eight grades and was soon inadequate. In 1906 an 
addition of two rooms and two hallways was made. In 
1910 it became a commissioned high school. In 1914 a 
domestic science room was built in the basement. 

With the large rooms upstairs divided and the office 
used as a classroom this building served the pupils of 
District 2 as a grade school and the entire township as 
a high school until 1937. High school pupils from the 
southern part of Morgan Township also attended high 
school in Kouts until their own building was completed 
in 1922. 

The history of the attempts of the people of Pleasant 
Township to modernize their plant, was for many years 
that of failure and disappointment, one after another. 
With each new attempt, always something conspired to 
block it. A bank failure in 1927 impounding township 
funds, loss of interest during the depression, and the 
death through accident of a trustee and advisory board 
member followed by an advisory board unfavorable to 
building a new school were the leading factors. The first 
successful step in the direction of a new school plant 
was taken in 1929 by Trustee Jerome Bartholomew when 


43 


44 


he purchased a twenty-one acre tract of land in the 
southeast part of town in the Hodgins Division. 

Since funds were not available for an entire grade and 
high school plant and by constitutional limitation, the 
township could not be bonded in excess of two percent 
of its taxable property, plans were pushed forward for the 
erection of just a high school. The elementary grades 
were still to be housed in the old building. 

An architect was employed and plans prepared for the 
new high school. With these plans in hand, Architect 
Brook, Trustee Jerome Bartholomew, and Eli Kruell, 
Chairman of the Advisory Board, motored to Indianapolis 
to confer with state department officials relative to the 
new building. While driving through Indianapolis the 
architect's car had a collision with a street car resulting 
in the death of Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Kruell and the 
end of the proposed building program. For when the 
advisory board was reorganized as the result of Mr. 
Kuell’s death, a majority of the new board were opposed 
to the erection of a new building. 

In the fall of 1934 the trustee and advisory board were 
in perfect agreement on the necessity of a new school 
plant. The newly organized Public Works Administration 
came into being at this time with its offer of 45 percent 
grants to communities that wished to take advantage of 
them. Again an architect was employed because the 
Public Works Administration would not consider an appli- 
cation for a grant of funds until pencil sketches of the 
proposed project were submitted by a licensed architect. 
Accordingly, Callix Miller of South Bend was awarded the 
architect’s contract contingent on the grant of federal 
funds. After many surveys, reports, communications, 
and conferences the application for funds was granted. 

Finally, in March 1936, the general construction con- 
tract was awarded to the J. |. Barnes Construction Com- 
pany of Logansport, Indiana. Construction was begun on 
May 1, 1936 and completed in August of 1937. When it 
opened in September 1937, a combination grade and 
high school, the enrollment was 402 with 209 in the 
first six grades and 193 in the upper six. Brick, con- 
crete and steel were used to produce a fire resistant 
building. Unlike so many school buildings of this era 
with a combination auditorium and gymnasium, the new 
school provided them separately. The auditorium is at 
the center front, the gymnasium at the center rear with 
a beautiful corridor between, with its cathedral arches 
and appropriate lighting. The auditorium has a seating 
capacity of 460. The gymnasium has a seating capacity 
of 405 in the balcony and space for a few hundred more 
by the use of movable bleachers on the gym floor. 

Upon the completion of the school term in May 1937 
all the district schools were closed and the pupils were 
brought by busses to the newly consolidated school whose 
faculty consisted of 6 grade teachers and 6 high school 
teachers with Mr. Charles McMurtry as principal. As 
such it served Kouts and Pleasant Township until 1951 
when a new shop and two classrooms were constructed 
in a separate building southeast of the main building 
costing $68,000. The original shop was converted into 
a kitchen cafeteria. 

By 1958 overcrowded conditions in the 1937 building 


were acute and caused the polling of public opinion con- 
cerning more building. Open meetings were held and 
most everyone agreed that more classroom space was 
sorely needed. Work was begun in May 1959 to add 
twelve classrooms, an all purpose room, kitchen, lounge, 
boiler room and janitor’s room and storage space. It 
was of modern design and joined the shop and original 
building with closed corridors, and it was ready for 
occupancy in November 1959. It cost approximately 
$220,000. In 1964 overcrowded conditions in the cafe- 
teria necessitated expansion of the existing room and 
while building, a band room was added on the second 
floor. Construction was begun in 1964 and opened for 
use. 


. THE FIGHT AND OTHER HISTORICAL EVENTS ... 


On March 31, 1889 the worlds featherweight boxing 
championship fight took place in O’Briens Hall. Prize 
fighting was outlawed in Chicago and through the in- 
fluence of some of Kouts citizens, with Chicago connec- 
tions, the fight was brought to Kouts. Arrangements were 
carefully made—the justice of the peace was taken for 
a ride to Valparaiso—the special train on the Erie with 
its cargo of contestants puffed into the side track. Frank 
Murphy of England and Ike Weir, the Belfast Spider, 100 
Chicagoans, men in high silk hats and tails speedily made 
their way to the hall. 

It was midnight when the fighters climbed into the 
ring, donned skin tight gloves and went to work for 
$1500 and the title. Three hours and 60 rounds went by 
and it still had not been won. At 4 a.m. Weir the Irish 
champion was weakening. Weir rallied and at 80 rounds, 
as neither could stand well they called the fight a draw. 
They made their way back to the waiting train and left 
town after the history making event. 

Mike O’Brien and his helpers hastily tidied up the hall 
so that it would be ready for Methodist church services 
on Sunday morning. The Methodists were incensed at 
such use of their church but Mr. O’Brien, an enterprising 
man, retorted that he’d gotten more rent for the one 
night than the church goers paid in a year. The famous 
hall with the store and locker plant operated by William 
Hefron as the Royal Blue Store was destroyed by fire on 
October 28, 1954. 

in September 1887 a Chicago and Atlantic passenger 
train was standing at Sandy Hook Ditch taking water 
when a Wabash freight train smashed into it, telescoping 
the passenger train. No one knows how many were 
killed but the injured were brought to the old Kouts 
Hotel on the east side of Main Street operated by Millers. 
Every room was filled and the town women, Mrs. Henry 
Herring, Mrs. George Wolbrandt and daughter, Minnie, 
Mrs. Henrietta Kouts, and Mrs. Ben Anderson, went in 
and cheerfully helped in caring for them until they were 
again able to travel to their homes. One case was 
especially pathetic—that of a young boy whose parents 
died at the scene of the wreck. The railroad company 
wanted the Millers to keep him and they would repay 
them generously. Since Mr. Miller was a Civil War 
veteran and then an old man, he could not accept such 


responsibility. Litigation following the wreck caused the 
bankruptcy of the Chicago Atlantic Railroad. Thereafter, 
the road bed and rolling stock were taken over by the 
Erie. 


.... FIRE DEPARTMENT .... 


In the April-25, 1921 meeting a resolution was pro- 
posed for the purchase of a triple tank chemical engine 
out fit from Obenchain-Bauer Co. of Logansport, Indiana 
for the sum of $2075 with Cannon and Peters Ford 
Dealers of Kouts to furnish a Fordton truck chassis with 
self starter for the sum of $682. The resolution was 
passed, the outfit purchased, and put into service on 
May 5, 1921. In the following years, 1930, 1946, 1965, 
and 1972 new trucks were acquired by the town. 

The Fire Department was on a voluntary basis and 
Paul Gordon, Gust Rosenbaum, August Vergin, Burney 
Maxwell, and Herman Chael were names listed in the 
department's infancy. The first fire fought by the de- 
partment with the new truck was that of the Fred Hein- 
old residence on August 4, 1921. 


THE PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL 


In October 1948 excitement was on a rampage through 
Kouts and great were the preparations for the arrival! of 
the train which carried President Truman. Finally, the 
greatly anticipated day arrived and school was dismissed 
for the occasion. Thus the townspeople and the students 
created a sizeable crowd near the Erie Depot. The train 
arrived and President and Mrs. Truman with their daugh- 
ter Margaret came out on the rear platform of the train. 
Truman declined to make a speech saying ‘‘l’ve said too 
much already.’’ However friendliness was radiated be- 
tween the family and the townspeople, as the day ended 
with great exhileration. 


....RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION 


Rail service at Kouts is provided by two lines. The 
Logansport Division of the Pennsylvania line, P.C.C. & St. 
L. R.R. which was built through here in 1865, was the 
beginning of the town. 

The Chicago and Atlantic Railroad built through Kouts 
was begun in 1881 and the first trains ran over it on 
December 25, 1883. The work had been hampered by 
the stretch of wet marsh land between Clanricarde and 
Wilders where all the roadbed had to be built with wheel- 
barrows and shovels. Very little work could be done 
with horses as they were too heavy. The 1887 wreck 
at Sandy Hook Ditch caused the bankruptcy of the Chi- 
cago and Atlantic. The Pennsylvania double tracked in 
1904 and the Erie in 1916. Each road ran two accom- 
modation trains each way daily. And with the Erie 
crossing the Pennsylvania in Kouts, operators and lever 
men have always held important and responsible posi- 
tions. 


.. COMMUNICATIONS ... 


THE KOUTS TIMES 


The name Kouts Times was chosen by the Kouts 
Chamber of Commerce for this newspaper in August of 
1950. The name was submitted by Miss Marilyn Dan- 
ford, now Mrs. Frank Holzapfel, Jr. of Kouts, to a contest 
sponsored by the Kouts Chamber of Commerce. The 
contest’s objective was to find a more suitable name for 
the new Kouts paper. This local newspaper was brought 
to Kouts by Mr. Maurice Mason, who has served the 
community well and continues to do so. 


RADIO RELAY TOWER 


Another link in the nation’s growing web of defense 
and civilian communications is that of the microwave 
radio relay system which stretches from the east to the 
west coast. In Illinois these towers are located at Winne- 
bago, Lee, Norway, Bonfield, and Momence, and in In- 
diana at Kouts and LaPorte. 

At the present time many of the nation’s transcon- 
tinental telephone circuits pass through Chicago. The 
new radio route will carry calls around Chicago which is 
a safety factor in national defense if the telephone equip- 
ment in Chicago should be destroyed. Each tower has 
antennas which send radio waves to the next tower and 
gather them in from the previous one. They simply am- 
plify the waves in order for them to go on. Each antenna 
can carry as many as 20,000 telephone conversations at 
one time. The tower at Kouts was built in 1956 and 
stands 340 feet high. 


5 ne eS 


AMERICAN LEGION 


The American Legion was organized in 1920 under 
the leadership of Luther B. Wise. It was named the 
William Radilyack Post since he was the first veteran 
that Kouts lost from its ranks—not in active duty but 
the result of a traffic accident near Kouts. 


KOUTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 


This was the first established men’s business group in 
Kouts. It was organized on May 22, 1944. The first 
president of this club was Carol Root. This organization 
is interested in community improvements in the town. 

Some of the accomplishments of the Chamber of Com- 
merce alone or in cooperation with other civic groups 
in and around Kouts are; bank organization, widening 
and paving of Main Street, lighting of the softball dia- 
mond, Highways #8 and #49, subdivision growth, town 
planning, cummulative sewer fund, industrial foundation, 
street lighting and utility improvement, and the starting 
of the local newspaper. 


45 


46 


FARM BUREAU 


Farm Bureau is the voice of agriculture in Indiana and 
in the United States. It is an organization of Farrners. 
It is a voluntary, non-government, non-sectarian, and is 
non-partisan in development of its policies, working with 
both political parties in getting its programs into action. 
Farm Bureau’s programs and social events are aimed 
at improving the economic and social environment of 
farmers and improving their net income. The Farm 
Bureau was organized in 1919 in Pleasant Township. 
Its first president was O. B. Wells. 


LAMPLIGHTERS HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB 


The Lamplighters Home Demonstration Club was or- 
ganized on October 18, 1949. The first president of this 
club was Marge Lippert. There have been many interest- 
ing lessons presented to the club such as; glove making, 
effective speech, reupholstering, and cake decoration. In 
January 1961 the Lamplighters helped organize a sister 
club in Kouts, the Starlighters. 


KOUTS LIONS CLUB 


The Kouts Lions Club was chartered on Thursday, 
February 4, 1960. The first president of this club was 
H. P. Hudson. The Lions Club have sponsored and par- 
ticipated in many community projects. 


THE MORRISON COMMUNITY CLUB 


The Morrison Community Club was organized in May, 
1911. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. 
Bert Tillotson. A few of the activities engaged in through 
the years are; quilting, tying comforters, sewing for the 
needy of the locality and helping members in time of 
sickness and sorrow. The first president of this club 
was Mrs. Emil Lippert. 


THE KOUTS NEIGHBORS HOME ECONOMIC CLUB 


The Kouts Neighbors Home Economic Club was 
organized in 1931. The first meeting was held in the 


home of Mrs. Herman Chael. This club ceased meeting 
but was reorganized in 1942 and since has shown con- 
tinuous growth and interest. The first president of this 
club was Mrs. Junior Miller. 


Pl EPSILON KAPPA SORORITY 


A group of young Catholic women met on August 8, 
1947 to organize the Pi Epsilon Kappa Catholic Sorority. 
The first president was Mrs. William Hefron. The first 
meeting of each month was devoted to the study of the 
Catholic faith, and the second a social meeting. All 
money raised by Pi Epsilon Kappa Chapter is used for 
charitable works. 


QUAD COUNTY ORGAN CLUB 


The Quad County Organ Club was organized April 
29, 1962. This club was organized for interested organ 
players. The president elected to serve the new organ- 
ization was Mr. John W. Selman of Kouts. 


STARLIGHTERS HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB 


The Starlighters Home Demonstration Club was started 
in February of 1962. Serving the Club as first year presi- 
dent was Mrs. Harold Fritz. 


THE KOUTS WOMANS CLUB 


The Kouts Womans Club was organized in 1909 by 
three prominent women of the community, Mrs. H. V. 
Deopker, Mrs. Frank O'Brian, and Mrs. C. P. Hockett. 
They sent invitational cards to all women who might 
be interested. The meeting was set for May 21, 1909 
at O’Brians Hall in Kouts. The first president of this 
organization was Mrs. J. J. Overmeyer. 

In the beginning the purpose of this club was social. 
In 1921 they joined the Federation of Woman’s Clubs. 
The overall objective of the Federation is human welfare 
and as such they contribute to; Student Loan Funds, 
Latin-American Fellowship, Red Cross, Penny Art Fund, 
and many other worth while causes. 


CITY OF PORTAGE 


....WEAVING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE .... 


Bicentennial Handbook of Portage Township Schools 
1976 


Committee 
Joyce Dorris 
Dina Vinzani 
Dorothy Dudenski 
K. Imogene Jones 
James Millington 


Cover Design — Beverly Roknich 


Donald R. Bivens, Superintendent of Schools 
Board of Education 


James Millington, President 
Sally Olsen, Vice President 
William English, Member 
Hubert Fitzgerald, Member 
David Strilich, Member 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 


Grateful acknowledgment is made to the following people 
for their contributions of historical material .. . 


1. Mr. James C. Douglas and his Portage High 
School class who compiled a research paper en- 
titled Portage in Transition 1933-1975. 


2. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Robbins and daughter Ruth 
for sharing memories of Portage in interview. 


3. Mrs. Madelyn Lorenz for her collection of news- 
paper articles and clippings of Porter County 
history compiled in scrapbooks. 


Special recognition must be given to Mrs. Hazel Brad- 
ford who so generously cooperated with us in an inter- 
view and by letting us use her father’s (William A. Briggs, 
first Superintendent of Portage Township School) un- 
published book on Porter County history, and also his 
scrapbooks of newspaper articles dating back through 
the 1800's. 


Added Notes ... 
Articles in compiled scrapbooks were taken from the fol- 
lowing newspapers: 

1. Chesterton Tribune 

2. Gary Post Tribune 

3. Vidette Messenger 


CONTENTS—lIn Order Of Appearance 


Indians 

Joseph Bailly 
Topography 

Early History 
Transportation 

Churches and Cemeteries 
Early Businesses and Communication 
City of Portage 

School History 

Crisman Elementary 
Garyton Elementary 
Portage High School 
Jones Elementary 

Myers Elementary 
Central Elementary 
Aylesworth Middle School 
South Haven Elementary 
Saylor Elementary 

Kyle Elementary 

Fegely Middle School 
Grissom Middle School 
School Administration Building 
Portage Today 
Educational Program 
Educational Philosophy 
Goals 

The Future 


.... INDIANS. ... 


The first persons who inhabited Porter County were 
the prehistoric race known as Mound Builders. They 
took their name from their peculiar habit of tossing 
mounds of earth. The only mound found in the northern 
part of the county was in the village of McCool, on the 
east side of the main highway and near the south edge 
of the village. This had been excavated by the owner, 
Mr. J. S. Robbins and the dirt hauled away in the early 
1900's. 


There is much speculation as to who the first white 
explorers were in this area. It may have been Marquette, 
Joliet, Hennepin or De la Croix. When the first white 
men came to this area, the Wea Indians lived here. The 
Wea Indians were pushed south by another tribe of 
Indians, the Potawatomis. 


The Indian word Potawatomi (Pot-a-wa-to-mi) means 
‘people of the place of fire’’. Nobody knows where they 
got their name but many people think it was because 
the sand was made so hot by the sun. The Potawatomi 
were a wild and war-loving tribe of Indians. They were a 
branch of the great Algonquin Nation which originally 
lived in the eastern part of the United States but were 
driven westward by the stronger Iroquois and Hurons. 
They were constantly losing many of their men in battle 
and never grew to be a large or strong tribe. Only a few 
hundred of them lived in our county and they never held 
full control of their hunting grounds. Other tribes, the 
Illini especially, were always disputing their rights to 
the wonderful game fields of the Calumet. The great chief 
Pokagon and his tribe of Potawatomis established a vil- 
lage near what is now the intersection of U. S. #12 and 
Crisman Road. The Indians used the area as a hunting 
ground. They had no written language but some of their 
words were learned by the early settlers and have been 
handed down to us. ‘‘Chick-i-a-go’’ means ‘‘all gone’”’ 
and is where we get our word ‘‘Chicago’”’ which originally 
included all the region at the end of the lake, including 
Porter County. 


....JOSEPH BAILLY.... 


In the year 1822, Joseph Bailly was the first known 
white settler of this area. He was an educated French 
fur-trader who built his home on the north bank of the 
Calumet River. 

He ran a trading post and was very, successful in his 
business. Bailly was fair to the Indians and they liked 
him, coming from the south and west to trade with him. 
His trading post was the most important place in the 
Calumet Region. It was near two great Indian trails. The 
Sauk and Potawatomi Trail were the best ways for the 
people to travel. Many Indians and white men used 
these trails. The Potawatomi Trail was the main trail 
between Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan. As 
more and more people would stop for the night at Mr. 
Bailly’s home, additions were made. He was to become 
the first hotelkeeper of the Dunes. 


47 


48 


TOPOGRAPHY 


The topography and surface soil of Portage Township 
was set by nature millions of years ago. 

In the glacial era the climate became as cold as Green- 
land is today. Great glaciers formed in Canada east of 
Hudson Bay and gradually slipped down over the area. 
The land was covered with a coat of ice and snow 300 to 
1,000 feet thick. 

The cause of this phenomenon is not definite. One 
theory is that the sea rushed rapidly into some spot 
where the surface had sunk below sea level. This dis- 
turbed the stability of the earth and swung it out of its 
former position in its orbit and changed the location of 
the North Pole. It would seem that the Pole at this time 


was located in the Atlantic Ocean near Iceland which 
would bring its cold climate over North America and 
Europe while Asia enjoyed a warmer temperature. What- 
ever happened was done suddenly because the forests 
which were growing did not have time to decay. 


The last great glacier of the northern hemisphere ex- 
tended as far south as Valparaiso, leaving its terminal 
moraine in that region. Part of this moraine, about two 
miles in width, extends into Portage Township and in- 
cludes a portion of Twenty-Mile Prairie. This glacier 
gouged out a great basin, and after its recession this 
basin was filled with water, forming Lake Chicago. Lake 
Chicago was about sixty feet higher than Lake Michigan, 
and the northern border extended south to where Lin- 
coln Highway now is; Portage Township was under water 
at that time. As Lake Chicago gradually receded, sand 
and silt were deposited, building up the present soil of 
this area. Several beaches apparently were formed dur- 
ing the recession of this larger lake. 


As the ice melted and the northern outlet was opened, 
the water drained in the opposite direction. Old Lake Chi- 
cago turned into Lake Michigan. The southern end re- 
treated by stages finally reaching its present beach leav- 
ing the northern part of our county as dry land. 

The vegetation of the community offers many varie- 
ties of plants particularly in the dunes region. In a short 
distance can be seen plants of the desert, the deep 
woods, the swamp, the oak woods and the prairie with 
various grasses. 


According to records, a bear and a cub were killed 
in the northern part of the township in 1838. A few 
wolves and foxes were seen until people, railroads and 
highways drove most of them out. In the area wood- 
chucks, red and gray squirrels, gophers, opossum, 
skunks, mink, rabbits, raccoon and flying squirrels can 
be found. 


Birds in the community that are year round are crow, 
blue jay, junco and sparrows. Some of the migratory 
birds are the robin, wren, bluebird, goldfinch, meadow- 
lark, morning dove, various woodpeckers, cardinal, Balti- 
more oriole and song sparrow. A few birds rest here 
only for a short time as they make their way north or 
south such as the geese, duck and scarlet tanager. 


....EARLY HISTORY.... 


After Joseph Bailly, several white settlers came t ch 
the area that is now known as Portage Township. In th ¢h, 
year 1833 Samuel Putman Robbins came on horsebacl me 
from Hocking County, Ohio and settled on the banko yj 
a small creek which he named Squirrel Creek. He home ch, 
steaded the 160 acres on what is now known as Robbin 
Road between McCool Road and Indiana 149 and bh 
tween the city of Portage and the town of South Haver 
When the government land sale was held in 1835 ¢ 
South Bend, he received the title to his land. The dee an 
was signed by President Jackson and Robbins paid $1.2 18 
per acre for the 160 acres. ‘i of 


The land west of this 160 acres in Portage Townshir co 
over to the Lake County Line, was mostly level prairi 
land and was named Twenty Mile Prairie because it wa the 
20 miles from Michigan City where the only post offic Of 
and trading center was located. Postage on a letter wa kn¢ 
twenty-five cents and payable on delivery by the recei) "0 
er. Conditions were hard for the other pioneers, Williar Ch 
Holmes and Jacob Blake who arrived that year. Cabin 3 
were built from logs without nails; greased paper we eds 
used for the windows and quilts with sticks were acros 4m 
the doors. All supplies had to be brought from Michiga S° 
City. Even matches were a luxury, selling for 1214¢ Bo’ 
dozen. of 


In the spring of 1834, Jacob Wolf located his clair 
and built his squatter’s cabin on the northern edge 
Twenty Mile Road. Wolf eventually owned five dail 
farms. Later, Lewis and Joseph D. Robbins, father an 
uncle respectively, of Joseph S. Robbins, bought the Wo 
estate which consisted of 1,345 acres where South Hal 
en is now located. In the same year Berrett Door, Re 
ben Hurlburt, R. and Wilford Parrott and two Spurloc 
brothers located claims within its boundaries. Other ear 
settlers included William McCool, Benjamin James an 
his son Allen. Also, the families of Blake, Palmer, Sun 
mer, Ritter, Curtis, Peck, Hurl, Lenburg, Fifield, Crismai 
Krieger, Nicholson, Samuelson and Hamstrom. ai 


In March of 1836, Porter County was created and -},,, 
month later it was divided into ten townships. It sya. 
thought that Portage derived its name from the forme j,, - 
home of some of the early settlers from Portage Count} fo, 
Ohio. The first Portage Township election was held les wo. 
than three weeks later at the house of Jacob Wolf wit T 
James Spurloch as inspector. Abo 


Portage was originally located in the northwestern pa one 
of the county and contained 30 square miles. Being hid 
perfect rectangle, it was bounded on the north by Wes ofte 
chester and Liberty Townships and on the west by Lal plet 
County. Now, Lake Michigan is the northern boundar p 
In February of 1850, a two mile strip was transferré stop 
from Westchester Township and added to Portage Tow villa 
ship. The present area of Portage Township is locatt the 
in the northwest corner of Porter County in northwestela fr 
Indiana. More than twenty square miles of territory aia WV 
incladed within the corporate limits. fam 


Main east-west highways U. S. #12, U. S. #20 af rune 
U. S. #6 provide excellent transportation facilities. Tt disa 


way 
tion 
try. 


Indiana East-West Toll Road, the “Main Street of the 

Midwest,”’ traverses the town and has nearby inter- 
e t changes. An interchange between the Toll Road 1-94 and 
1th the Tri-State Expressway, !-80 and 1-90, connecting the 
bac metropolitan area of Chicago with the nearby state of 
1k @ Michigan runs through the city of Portage. An inter- 
ome change is located at Crisman Road, R. 249. 
Din, 


| be __..TRANSPORTATION.... 
aver 
'D 2 In 1825 need was felt for a mail route between Detroit 


dee and Fort Dearborn. The first regular mail service was in 
51.2 1831. The mail was carried in a knapsack on the back 
of a soldier. Later ponies were used and still later stage 
ship coaches carried the mail. 
rairi In 1833 the first stage route was started and soon 
t wa the need came for the improvement of roads. Remnants 
office of the original stage route still exist in Portage and is 
r we known as Old Stage Coach Road. This route crossed the 
ece) north end of Portage Township from Michigan City to 
illiar Chicago with a stop-over in Portage. 
‘abin The east and west road which leads from the south 
- we edge of McCool to Calvary Cemetery was petitioned for 
‘cros and granted in January, 1856 and the present Samuel- 
higa son north and south road was approved the same year. 
VA: Both of these roads are now hard surfaced. The majority 
of the roads came into existence in the late 1800's. 


clair 
ige ( 
dair 
ran 
e Wo 
1 Haj 
, Rel 
urloc 
r ear 
‘S an 
Sun 
ismal! 


RAILROADS 


W. A. Briggs, one of the best informed men on Porter 
County history, wrote an interesting article on the Under- 
ground Railroad called Crisman Station. The following 
segments of his article will be of interest to all history 
buffs. 

For many years before the Civil War numerous slaves 
escaped from their masters in the South and made their 
way northward through the Free States. Their destina- 
tion was Canada, which was at that time a ‘“‘free’’ coun- 
try. Some of these slaves succeeded in escaping while 
many were caught by the slave-hunters and returned to 
and bondage. It should be noted that the use of railroads 

It was important for rapid escape for the runaway slaves. 
forme 1p 1896 it took one and one-half hours to make the trip 
-OUNL from Crisman to Valparaiso with a good horse in good 
Id les weather. 

If wit Those who did escape were usually aided by friendly 
Abolitionists throughout the North who took them from 
rn p@ one home or ‘‘station’’ to another during the night and 
eing hid them away during the next day. The concealment was 
/ Wes often so thorough that all trace of the fugitive was com- 
yy Lal pletely lost to the slave hunters. 
indaf Porter County had several means of escape and one 
sferré stopping place was located about a half mile from the 
| Tow village of Crisman. It was on the northeast corner of 
locaté the intersection of Crisman Road and U. S. 20. Here 
nestela frame building of four rooms was built in 1857 by 
ory aia Mr. Smith who used it as a home for himself and 
family. The real purpose of this house was to aid the 
20 af runaway slaves in their break for freedom. Mr. Smith 
es, Th disappeared and no trace of who financed him, where 


he came from, or where he went have ever been learned. 

The two main rooms of this house were built over a 
double log cellar and in the floor of each room was a 
trap door. One or the other was always covered with a 
rag carpet. Each door led into a separate compartment 
of the cellar. 

Often during the early hours of the morning, a load 
of corn, hay or groceries might be seen arriving at this 
home. The driver and proprietor would engage in con- 
versation to see if it was safe to unload the slaves. The 
driver carried the slaves, wrapped in blankets, from the 
wagon into the cellar so no trace of the runaways could 
be detected even by blood-hounds. After a hearty meal 
they were concealed in one of the cellars so that they 
would be ready for another lap of their journey during the 
following night. 

In 1852 the Michigan Central Railroad was built con- 
necting Chicago with New York. It is now part of the 
New York Central system. By 1874 two new railroads 
started building through Portage. The Peninsular, later 
called the Grand Trunk; and the Baltimore, Pittsburg 
and Chicago, finally known as the Baltimore and Ohio, 
were the railroads. 

A problem developed when the Baltimore and Ohio 
decided to cross the existing Michigan Central Railroad 
at Willow Creek in Portage Township. The Michigan Cen- 
tral Railroad objected to this crossing. The law at this 
time required all trains on both roads to come to a com- 
plete stop at each surface crossing. Michigan Central 
did not want to stop at this point because it would in- 
crease the cost of operation. The “‘right of eminent do- 
main”’ was by this time well established in railroad build- 
ing. The Michigan Central was determined to fight this 
procedure on the ground of ‘‘unnecessary expense’. 

The Battle of Joy’s Run was held in Portage on Willow 
Creek in 1874. Michigan Central decided they would dis- 
regard court orders and barricaded the tracks with six 
hundred men. These men were instructed and drilled 
in their duties by several officers of the railroad with 
President Joy as their leader. The B & O appealed to the 
Porter County sheriff and it was soon evident that the 
job was too serious to be handled by the local forces so 
a call was made to Governor Hendricks for state aid. The 
appearance of hundreds of Indiana Guards made a bloody 
battle seem inevitable, but the matter was taken care 
of quietly and peacefully. The Baltimore and Ohio com- 
pleted their trunk lines through Portage. 

Today Portage is served by five trunk line railroads 
and two belt line railroads which offer extraordinary 
transportation service. The railroads of today are: 

1. The New York Central Railroad 

2. The Michigan Central Division of the New York 

Central System 

3. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 

4. The Wabash Railroad (Norfolk and Western Rail- 

road) 

5. The Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad 

6. The Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company 

7. The Indiana Harbor Belt Line Railroad 

A history of the Township would not be complete with- 
out a mention of an airport which was located on the land 


49 


50 


of Glen Robbins. It was first established in 1924 as an 
emergency landing field for the air route between Chicago 
and Cleveland. Later it was moved to a new _ location 
which bordered U. S. 6 on the land of R. Crisman. Air 
travel is handy to the residents of Portage today. Within 
a few miles of Portage are the Valparaiso, Hobart and 
Gary Airports. O’Hare is approximately ninety minutes 
away. 


....CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.... 


A young community always established schools and 
churches as soon as possible. In Portage, other buildings 
were used for worship at first. In 1852 the first church 
built in Portage was a Presbyterian Church, erected at a 
cost of eight hundred dollars. Mr. S. P. Robbins built 
the church and furnished all the material and money ex- 
cept about one hundred sixty dollars which was raised 
by subscription. After the church was completed, it was 
deeded to the elders of the church, S. P. Robbins, Mr. 
and Mrs. B. Stoddard, Francis James, Emily James, 
Russell Door, Daniel Richardson, Mrs. Leter and sister. 
Rev. J. Brown was the first pastor. Eventually the Metho- 
dists acquired possession of the building which was lo- 
cated about half a mile south of the village of McCool. 


The Methodist Church located at McCool, was first 
organized in 1855 near the present site of Crisman. Mr. 
McCool was the main factor in the construction of this 
small house which served as a church. This structure 
was used later by the German Lutheran Church who of- 
ficially organized the Portage in 1890. 


The Mission Church of Garyton and East Gary is the 
oldest church of that community. The land was donated 
to the church by C. J. Johnson in 1873. The first trus- 
tees were: J. P. Melon, Johannes Malmstone, Peter Gus- 
tafson and C. J. Larson. In 1929 the congregation de- 
cided to merge with and become a member of the Swe- 
dish Evangelical Mission Covenant of America. The old 
church building was completely destroyed by fire on 
December 19, 1929 but church services were continued 
in the Garyton School and at the home of Mrs. Malm- 
stone. The new church building was completed and ded- 
icated on February 28, 1932. 


The Hope Lutheran Church located at Crisman was 
organized in 1893-94. First services at the church were 
conducted Thanksgiving Day, 1895 by the Rev. H. W. 
Young of Chicago. In 1896 a constitution was drawn up 
and signed by Mr. Mahns, Nels Nicholson, Sam Nichol- 
son, Carl O. Johnson, Peter Wilberg and R. C. Wilberg. 
The first house of worship was dedicated in 1898 and 
pastors were supplied by neighboring congregations. 
When the Ohio Synod assumed charge of the field in 
1900 pastors were sent from Chicago and Michigan City. 

Another pioneer church, the United Brethren Church, 
was established in Garyton. D. F. Blake presented the 
community with the necessary ground. The church was 
dedicated on April 27, 1930. 

In 1929, the Franciscan Fathers established a monas- 
tery in the south end of Portage Township. Within five 
years they built a Friary and a beautiful shrine to per- 


petuate the love of the founder, St. Francis of Assisi. 
This shrine today is known as Seven Dolors Shrine. 
Judge Fetterhoff donated the land for this shrine. Much 
of Seven Dolors Shrine was built during the Great De- 
pression by Slovaks from Whiting and East Chicago who 
donated their labor because they were out of work. The 
workers, who came for a week at a time, built the Friary 
in 1934, constructed the Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes 
in 1938 and completed the retreat house and gift shop 
in 1940. 


In 1933, the area now known as Portage Township 
had only five churches. No new churches were estab- 
lished until 1953, but the number of churches in the 
township had _ increased to thirty-five by May, 1975. 
Nearly all the churches had humble beginnings in homes, 
schools or gymnasiums. Most Portage Township churches 
were established in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s, when 
the construction of the steel mills began drawing peo- 
ple into the area. The population growth and the estab- 
lishment of churches is in a continuous growth pattern 
throughout the developing communities in the city of 
Portage. 


CEMETERIES 


When S. P. Robbins donated land and aided in the con- 
struction of the Presbyterian Church, he also donated 
one acre of land for burial purposes. This cemetery is 
located about one mile southeast of McCool and about 
one-fourth mile east of the Robbins’ home. There are 
seven soldiers interred, one Revolutionary and six Civil 
War veterans. S. P. Robbins lies within the family bur- 
ial ground together with several other pioneers, Mr. and 
Mrs. William Babcock, a soldier and his wife, and Mr. 


Ashton. 


One of the earlier graveyards of Portage Township is 
located one mile north of Robbins’ Cemetery. It was 
founded in 1836 by an unknown person. This graveyard 
also has the distinction of entombing some of the pio- 
neers of Portage Township, Allen James, 1838, Levenia 
James, 1845, who are the children of Russell and Eme- 
line Door. (The Doors were the first couple married in 
Portage.) Also buried were, Bathanna Wolfe, 1868, and 
Jacob Wolfe, 1851. 


The Blake Cemetery located near the present Mission 
Covenant Church is an all congregation burial ground. 


The Calvary Cemetery was organized by the Calumet 
Cemetery organization in 1913. It comprises a total of 
101 acres and is located in Garyton. 

It seems that in 1916 the present McCool Cemetery 
was located on the east side of the road back of the 
church. Mr. Weissmeyer, the donor, requested that the 
land there be used for church purposes rather than for 
burial ground. When his request was granted, he donated 
the present acre for interment purposes. Several early 
pioneers lie in this graveyard, Walker McCool, William 
McCool, Benjamin Fifield, Col. Wolfe, Benjamin Crisman 
and several Civil War veterans and a World War | nurse. 


_... EARLY BUSINESSES AND COMMUNICATION... . 


Early business in Portage consisted mainly of small, 
family run groceries in the small settlements (towns) of 
Crisman, McCool and Garyton. The town of Crisman was 
established in 1853 when Benjamin Crisman gave an 
acre of land for the location of a Michigan Central Rail- 
road Deport. On Crisman’s main street were two stores 
in the same building. The south store was in existence 
in 1894 and was operated by H. D. Scofield. The north 
store, a later addition, was built in 1922. This grocery 
store also contained the post office for the area, but 
larger depots soon took business from Crisman and even- 
tually the post office closed. The store was sold to three 
other owners and was finally closed in the 1960's. The 
town had a grease factory owned by a Chicago man 
named Cady and opened in 1932. From 1925 to 1945 
another small grocery store was owned and operated by 
Jim Love in the Garyton area. 

In the 1860’s the post office at McCool was established 
when the Baltimore and Ohio was built through the land 
of William McCool. He donted the land on which to build 
a depot. L. H. Robbins built the two story building which 
contained a small grocery store, post office and living 
quarters. He operated the store and was the McCool 
postmaster for many years. Joseph S. Robbins, post- 
master, operated the same store which had been pur- 
chased by his father along with the McCool farm in the 
early 1900’s. The community boasted about eight houses 
and a railroad depot from which 100 to 200 cans of milk 
were shipped daily on the Walkerton to Chicago run on 
the B & O Railroad. It shipped three full cars every day 
containing sand and loam to make the forms used for 
hot steel at the Gary and South Chicago mills during 
World War |. O. G. Larson, a local painter, had the store 
for about a year when it went into Culbertson’s posses- 
sion. Everett Parry and Arthur Swanson had the store sep- 
arately at later times. The building was thought to be 100 
years old when it was destroyed by an early morning fire 
in 1951. It was then owned by W. A. Culbertson, who had 
retired from the business five years earlier. After the 
fire, a small one room building was constructed to serve 
as the Portage Post Office. The single employee was Miss 
Esther Wyant. She worked as the post master until 1962 
when the present post office was built on Central Avenue. 


The Portage Post Office now services the area north 
to Ogden Dunes and south of Route 6 with County Line 
Road as the western boundary. Camelot Trailer Park, al- 
though it lies south of Route 6 also has the Portage 
mailing address. Residents of Portage Township living 
outside these boundaries come under the direction of the 
Valparaiso Post Office. At the present time twenty six 
people are employed by the Portage Post Office. 


Beginning about 1929 the telephone service in Port- 
age Township was provided by Indiana Associated Tele- 
phone. After encountering financial difficulties, rights to 
the area were purchased by General Telephone in 1954. 
The main building is located at 2059 Crisman Road but 
a small exchange was also built to service the steel mills. 
From 1964 through December 1974 General Telephone 


has witnessed a 10% increase in the number of tele- 
phones it services in the area. 


....CITY OF PORTAGE.... 


From the 1930's to 1975 Portage Township changed 
from a rural farm environment that encompassed three 
small settlements of Crisman, McCool and Garyton into 
one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana. On 
June 29, 1959, these communities were incoporated into 
the town of Portage and in 1968 became the City of 
Portage. 

A population explosion occurred in the Portage area 
in the late 1950’s and continued at a rapid rate through 
the 1960's. In 1959, when Portage was incorporated, the 
population was about 8,000 and jumped.to 22,000 in 
1975 and is estimated could climb to 27,000 in 1980. 
This increase was mainly due to the arrival of major in- 
dustries in the area, including two main steel mills. They 
are the Midwest Division of the National Steel Corpora- 
tion constructed in 1959 and the Bethlehem Steel Cor- 
poration’s plant constructed in 1963. In addition, the 
Continental Can Corporation has been in operation since 
1966. The Port of Indiana is also a main industry but 
is totally different because it is not privately owned. 

The visions of the Port were seen as early at 1815 
when Jonathan Jennings introduced the resolution for 
statehood of the Indiana territory. He felt that the new 
state should have easy access to lake travel. This mea- 
sure was approved by Congress and the decision went 
uncontested until 1837 when Michigan claimed that the 
land was theirs from the beginning. The government in- 
tervened and let Indiana keep the land and gave Michi- 
gan the Upper Peninsula as compensation. The area still 
remained unmarred until 1906 when Randall W. Burns 
proposed to build a ditch to drain the marshy areas of 
Lake and Porter counties. After many court battles, the 
ditch was started in 1923. Numerous tries to establish 
a waterway or port were made in vain until construction 
was finally underway in October, 1966. With the unload- 
ing of a Bethlehem ore boat on September 11, 1969, an 
Indiana dream of a water outlet to the trade of the world 
was a reality. 

The Port of Indiana is located on the property bounded 
by Midwest Steel on the west, Bethlehem Steel on the 
east, highway U. S. 12 on the south and Lake Michigan 
on the north. The 269.9 acre plot is owned and oper- 
ated by the State of Indiana. It is serviced by the Penn- 
sylvania Central Railroad and by the Chicago South Shore 
and South Bend Railroad. Also, U. S. 12-20 and the In- 
terstate System of highways are all close enough for in- 
expensive trucking. 

Portage is governed by a mayor, city judge, clerk-treas- 
urer and seven councilmen who are elected to four- 
year terms at a general election. 

The Portage community ts very proud of its law en- 
forcement and fire protection agencies. Until 1959 the 
only law enforcement was performed by a constable. In 
1959 the Portage, Indiana Police Department was 
founded. The department consisted of five men head- 
quartered in a police station at 12600 Central Avenue. 


51 


52 


The police department continued to grow with the addi- 
tion of two to four men a year and the building of the 
new police station at 2693P Irving Street in 1967. Pres- 
ently, the police department operates under the Metro- 
politan Police System with a board of three police com- 
missioners appointed by the Mayor. The police depart- 
ment now employes thirty-five men including a chief and 
seven clerks. The police department has six marked and 
six unmarked squad cars. 

The Portage Fire Department was on a volunteer basis 
up to 1966 when the need for a professional fire depart- 
ment developed. In that year the department had one 
chief, four men, one high pressure unit and two thou- 
sand gallon per minute pumpers. Today the depart- 
ment employs twenty-seven men plus a chief. Twenty- 
three of these men are Emergency Medical Technicians 
(E.M.T.A.). Today the department has two engine pump- 
ers, one high pressure unit, two fully equipped ambu- 
lances, one station wagon and one chief's car. 

Portage Township has always depended on outside 
newspapers for any news other than local. In the early 
1960's Portage’s first newspaper, the PORTAGE WAVE, 
was published. In 1962, it was bought by Warren Frie- 
burg, but shortly thereafter it was taken over by new 
management. During this time it had three different lo- 
cations, all three being located in the Portage Mall. It 
is presently located at 2646 Hamstrom Road and the 
name has been changed to the PORTAGE PRESS. The 
PORTAGE PRESS has begun publishing issues for East 
Gary and now has eleven employees for both issues, in 
addition to two free-lance photographers. Present cir- 
culation is estimated to be 6,500. 

On January 15, 1970 the SCANNER was first pub- 
lished. After a year’s publication the Scanner moved to 
an office in the South Haven Square. The DUNELAND 
JOURNAL was established April 2, 1975. It has offices 
in the Portage Mall and is a weekly publication serving 
East Gary and Portage with a circulation of 10,000. 


.«« SCHOOL HISTORY... .. 


Before schools were established the pioneers made 
sure their children obtained a fair amount of useful 
knowledge. The course was the ‘‘Three R’s’’ which were 
Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic with spelling included 
with the reading. If geography and history were added it 
became an ‘‘advanced school’’. The texts were any 
books the pupil might happen to have at home. They were 
not texts, but any sort of book from which the pupil could 
learn the alphabet and shorter words. It is said that one 
whole term was taught with only two books in the school 
house, a Bible and an almanac. 

In 1840, four years after Portage Township was cre- 
ated, the first schoolhouse was erected about a mile 
and a half southeast of McCool. S. Putnam Robbins was 
the architect and the labor and materials were donated. 
Not long afterwards a second school was erected in the 
southwest part of the township. 

Among the early teachers were N. S. Yost, M. L. Fer- 
ris, W. E. Hawthorne, Lottie Hewett, Minnie Spencer and 
Rose Mitchel. 


The first school houses were log buildings. Windows 
were made by leaving out one log on the side and cov- 
ering the opening with oiled paper. Window glass would 
have been considered too great a luxury to be placed in 
a school. Heat was furnished by a huge fireplace at one 
end of the building and seats were constructed of split 
saplings bored with a large auger and pins inserted to 
form the legs. The desks, which ran along the sides of 
the room, were wide boards supported on pins driven into 
the logs. Goose quill pens were used. The course of 
study consisted of the three R’s and a pupil who mas- 
tered the ‘‘Rule of Three’’ in mathematics was greatly 
considered accomplished in that field. 

In 1853 there were four schoolhouses and a board of 
four directors, one for each school district. There is an 
account of money being raised for school purposes at 
the rate of twenty-five cents on one-hundred dollars and 
twenty-five cents poll tax. 

On June 14, 1853 the board met for the purpose of 
letting the ‘‘job of building’’ a schoolhouse to H. P. 
Wheeler for one hundred and ninety dollars to be fin- 
ished by December 1st. There were four teachers in the 
township in 1854, one male and three females. The av- 
erage salary of the male was thirteen dollars per month, 
and of the females, ten dollars per month. The average 
school term was one hundred twenty days. Two hundred 
thirty seven dollars were expended for education; one 
hundred fifteen was from the public fund for education 
and a hundred twenty four was from the special tax fund. 
The assessed valuation was sixty seven thousand, five 
hundred eighty five dollars. The enrollment was one hun- 
dred two males, five to twenty one years of age. 

In 1856 the state report shows that the tax rate for 
schools was twenty five cents on one hundred dollars 
for property and a fifty cent poll tax. There were one hun- 
dred seventy tax payers. 

According to the state report, by 1867 there were one 
hundred forty eight males and one hundred twenty two 
females, five to twenty one years of age attending school. 
The school term had been increased to one hundred for- 
ty days and there were seven teachers, all of whom were 
female. The average was sixty cents per day. 

The names and locations of the early schools follow 
in chronological order. 

The Robbins School located on McCool Road, was 
probably the first in the township. Joseph S. Robbins 
made educational history when he and his cousins, Hen- 
ry and Bertha Robbins composed the entire first eighth 
grade graduating class in township history. The Heaton 
School was a very early one also. It was located near U. S. 
6 south of the old McCool Airport. The Peak School, 
which was later made into a residence, was located a mile 
east of the Lake County line and about three-quarter of a 
mile south of U. S. 6. It was no longer used when consoll- 
dation took place. The Summer School located opposite 
the residence of George Lute and the Blake School, 
across from James Love’s store in Garyton were consol- 
idated to form the Bender or Blake School. Later it was 
used as a residence by Herman Swanson. The Sand 
Knobs located near the Old Glory Garage was discon- 
tinued in 1906 when consolidation took place. The Dom- 


bey School abandoned in 1921, was about a quarter of 
a mile west of the present Garyton School. The Fifield 
School was located one quarter of a mile west of the 
C. E. Fifield farm. It and the Robbins School were con- 
solidated to form the McCool School. The Wolfe School 
located about a mile southwest of the Seven  Dolors 
Shrine, was abandoned and razed in 1918. A temporary 
building for the Ad Crisman School was located at Willow 
Creek. 

A log schoolhouse 18 x 24 was erected where Cris- 
man now stands and was used for nine years. The first 
term was taught by Elder Bartlett, a Baptist minister. Cy- 
rus Sales taught next and after him in order came Chris- 
tina Fry, Emily Gerhart and Chancey Gaylord. A frame 
building followed the log construction and a brick build- 
ing was erected in 1902. 

The first school bus was purchased in 1906 by the 
trustee, Brut T. Spencer, for the price of one hundred 
twenty five dollars. It was a horse drawn hack. A ruling 
was made at this time that all schools having less than 
eight pupils were to be closed. This necessitated trans- 
portation of the pupils and accounts for the consolida- 
tion of many of the schools. 

Mr. W. A. Briggs was a historian and educational leader 
for Portage Township. Due to his record keeping, one 
can find an interesting account of the second eighth 
grade graduating class. There were six members who 
studied separately but graduated together some eighty 
years ago. The following segments of an article were in 
the Chesterton Tribune and Mr. Briggs is responsible for 
the historical account. 

The event took place on the evening of May 16th, 
1896, in the old McCool Methodist Church. Those par- 
ticipating were: 

County Superintendent A. A. Hughart who became 
city superintendent of the Valparaiso Schools and a 
prominent banker. John H. Lenburg who served two 
terms as trustee of Portage was a prominent farmer of 
the township. Miss Jennie Moffitt taught in the township 
for several years unil she became the wife of Michael 
Foreman, a successful farmer of the township. S. W. 
Pennock, teacher of Crisman, taught in the township 
while studying law. Following graduation from law school 
he moved to Montana. W. A. Briggs who became a teach- 
er at the Dombey School and then the principal of Port- 
age High School, remained there for more than twenty 
years. Ross M. Crisman, the valedictorian, attended 
Portage High School for two years. He served for eight 
years (1925-1933) as County Commissioner from the 
North District and had a prosperous farm on Twenty Mile 
Prairie. Miss Celia Recktenwall, the salutatorian, attended 
Portage High School for two years. She married S. W. 
Pennock, a teacher in the township. 

Other members of the class include: 

Miss Anna Lenburg entered the Portage High School 
in the autumn of 1896 but did not live the school year 
out. 

F. August Malmstone attended Portage High School 
for two years. He entered Valparaiso University and 
earned his academic degree after which he taught for 
five years in Portage, was an administrator in education 


and then entered the field of medicine. 

Miss Mary Hommes completed two years of work in 
the Portage High School. She became the wife of Molee 
Spencer, a prominent farmer of the township. 

Miss Amelia Lenburg finished two years work at the 
Portage High School. She became the wife of Edward 
A. Anderson, who served as township trustee for six 
years. 

Carl O. Johnson completed one year at Portage High 
School. He became a successful farmer and businessman. 
He selected the route for U. S. 20 through Portage. 

Miss Amanda Malmstone, of Dombey, did two years 
work in Portage High School after which she completed a 
business course in Chicago and for several years was a 
stenographer. She later married Victor A. Beckman of 
Chicago. 

W. A. Briggs, teacher of one of the classes, who later 
became the first principal of Portage High School said, 
“In those days we traveled through mud and dust and 
snow drifts without benefit of automobile or hard roads. 
We didn’t have rural telephones and electric lights were 
unknown to us. The phonograph was in its infancy.” 

In the summer of 1896 the first high school class was 
held in a rented building. During that summer the trus- 
tee, John H. Lenburg, built the McCool Elementary School 
but funds were not yet made available to start the high 
school. Early in 1897 plans were made for building a 
high school. 

Until this time Portage had only the old one-room 
schools. Since these had been operating for more than 
fifty-five years, many of the patrons felt that it was time 
for something better. Not all the taxpayers felt the same. 
The McCool building had used all the available funds 
and if the high school were built it would be necessary 
to issue bonds. A petition was circulated and a remons- 
trance was held. This made it necessary to have a hear- 
ing and this delayed the preparations. 

The bonds were issued and building operations started 
but it was too late to have the house ready for school at 
the usual time. The high school classes were held in a 
rented part of a tavern. Al Spiers account of W. A. Briggs 
and school life in a saloon will be of interest to all. 

The first high school principal was W. A. Briggs and 
he is probably the only principal in Hoosier history to 
conduct high school in a saloon. This strange state of ed- 
ucational affairs occurred shortly after Briggs moved 
to Indiana. Farm-raised in Southern Illinois, Bill, an 
eager, apt student, won a teaching license at 18 after a 
year at Albion Normal University. After three years of 
hickory-sticking the three R’s in rural schools near home, 
Bill went to Valparaiso in the fall of 1894 to broaden his 
own education. By spring, he’d lined up a new job teach- 
ing in a township school at Crisman. Trustee John Len- 
burg approached Bill with an idea of starting a high 
school. Briggs accepted the challenge knowing there 
would be many difficulties and financial problems. 

Lenburg had just built a grade school at McCool and 
had no construction funds; however, there was an empty 
two story saloon that was closed by the village burghers. 
Into the old saloon, that fall, went desks, blackboards, 
Mr. Briggs and about twenty pupils, part of them in the 


53 


54 


township’s first ninth grade class. They used the saloon 
for one year. In 1897 Lenburg was able to build the 
first four rooms of the present Crisman Elementary 
School. They moved in that fall and added the tenth 
grade. Principal Briggs had a staff of two teachers. They 
taught lower grades and he conducted eighth, ninth and 
tenth grade classes. During the next few years, more 
teachers and eleventh and twelfth grades were added. A 
high school was established at Crisman in January, 1909. 
Bill Briggs supervised Crisman School for twenty-one 
years. The four-room building was an excellent structure 
for those times and cost but little over three thousand 
dollars. Three teachers were employed, W. A. Briggs as 
principal, Miss Emma Wilson as intermediate and Miss 
Janet Janes as primary teachers. The school stands and 
is in use as a part of the Crisman Elementary School. 
Four more rooms were added in 1922 and the high 
school was built in 1928. On December 18, 1933, the 
high school was given a first class commission rating, 
one of the few rural high schools in Indiana to be so 
rated. In addition to the high school, three grade schools 
were maintained in the township; one at Crisman with 
three teachers for grade one to six; one at McCoo! with 
one teacher for grades one through five; and one at 
Garyton with three teachers for grades one through six. 


CRISMAN ELEMENTARY 


Throughout the years Crisman has housed K-6 and 
Special Education and today includes K-5. Portage Town- 
ship is looking forward to the completion of the new Cris- 
man Elementary School at 6161 Old Porter Road in 1977. 
In will consist of a modern facility built to house six-hun- 
dred students. In addition to classroom areas, it will in- 
clude a multipurpose room, media center, stage and 
gymnasium. 


GARYTON ELEMENTARY 


The school building at Garyton was begun in 1921 as 
a two room school on a four and one-half acre site pur- 
chased from D. P. Blake and was completed before the 
term ended in 1922. In 1927 two more rooms were 
added to the building, making it a two-story structure 
with three teachers employed for the eight grades. More 
recent additions were added to Garyton in 1955 and 
1964. Garyton Elementary School is now located on an 
irregular plot of 10.4 acres with frontage on Central 
Avenue on the north and Engle Street on the east and 
with access to Concord Avenue and Lexington Avenue on 
the west. 


PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL 


The original building for Portage High School was 
erected in 1948 at 5962 Central Avenue. Additions were 
built in 1953, 1957, 1958 and 1965. The high school 
shares a forty acre plot with Aylesworth Middle School. 


JONES ELEMENTARY 


Ethel R. Jones Elementary School is located close to 


the old McCool Schoo! site. It was built on ten acres of 
farm land at 2374 McCool Road. The twelve classroom 
building was opened for students of grades one through 
six in September of 1960. The building was named in 
honor of a Portage High School Latin teacher. The build- 
ing received a twelve classroom addition in 1966 and a 
two classroom kindergarten addition in 1968. 


MYERS ELEMENTARY 


The George L. Myers Elementary Schoo] at 3100 Wil- 
lowdale Road is located on ten acres of land in the west 
central area of the township. The school was named in 
honor of George L. Myers who was music director at 
the Portage High School for over thirty eight years. Ad- 
ditions were made in 1963, 1965 and 1968. Presently 
there are twenty four classrooms and two kindergarten 
classrooms. In 1970 Myers School received the Outstand- 
ing Conservation Education Project award from the In- 
diana Isack Walton organization. 


CENTRAL ELEMENTARY 


Central Elementary School located at 2825 Russell 
Street opened in 1961 with eighteen classrooms. In 1965 
six classrooms were added to the south wing and two 
kindergarten rooms to the east wing to bring Central 
to its present capacity of twenty six classrooms. 


AYLESWORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL 


In September of 1963 Aylesworth Junior High School 
at 5910 Central Avenue was opened for grades seven 
and eight for the entire Portage Township. At present 
Aylesworth Middle School is one of three middle schools 
which house grades six through nine. This school is 
named after Wallace Aylesworth, a long-time teacher, 
principal and superintendent of Portage Schools. 


SOUTH HAVEN ELEMENTARY 


South Haven Elementary School is located at 395 West 
Midway Drive and was built in 1964. It has twenty four 
rooms and is the only elementary school in the system 
built as a rectangle around the court yard. It services 
grade K-5. 


SAYLOR ELEMENTARY 


Paul Saylor Elementary School, named in honor of the 
subdivision developer, was erected at the corner of Mid- 
way and Devonshire in the South Haven Subdivision in 
1965-66. The school has twenty six classrooms and 
houses grades K through 5. 


KYLE ELEMENTARY 


Rowena Kyle Elementary School located at 2701 Ham- 
strom Road, opened in 1967. There are thirteen acres 
on the school site and it contains twenty six classrooms. 


Kyle was named in honor of an English teacher who 
taught in Portage High School. 


FEGELY MIDDLE SCHOOL 


As Portage Township grew in population, the need for 
a second middle school became evident. Fegely Middle 
Schoo! located at 5384 Stone Avenue opened its doors 
to approximately nine-hundred students in sixth, seventh 
and eighth grades during the 1967-68 school year. The 
site of forty acres on the north side of Stone Avenue is 
characterized by its many large oak trees. It was named 
for William Fegely. 


GRISSOM MIDDLE SCHOOL 


Grissom Middle School located at U. S. Highway 6 and 
Airport Road opened in 1973. It was named for the 
Hoosier Astronaut, Virgil |. Grissom who gave his life 
in the U. S. NASA Space program. Grissom houses grades 
six through nine. A large part of this building is with- 
out walls and classroom areas are separated by portable 
dividers, bookcases and different furniture arrangements. 
Grissom is the first Portage school to have a swimming 
pool and an auditorium. The pool is olympic sized and 
the auditorium seats five hundred. 


SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 


The School Administration Building located at 5894 
Central Avenue shares the same forty acre plot as Ayles- 
worth Middle School and the high school. It was built in 
1966 and contains rooms for central office personnel. 
School board meetings are held in this facility. 

The future holds much progress in the growth of ed- 
ucation for the Portage Township Schools. The Super- 
intendent’s message for what will come is as follows: 

On December 22, 1975, the Board of School Trustees 
officially adopted a building program that will include 
a new high school and a new elementary school As a 
part of this program and the total planning, it was also 
announced that if the buildings received all state and 
local approvals and are completed on the time schedule, 
in September 1978, sixth grade classes would remain 
in the elementary schools. Thus, when totally completed, 
the grade arrangement will be K-6 in elementary, 7-9 
in the middle schools and 10-12 in the high school. 

The new high school would open its doors in Septem- 
ber, 1979. At that time, there will be nine elementary 
schools, three middle schools and one high school. 


Plans were also revealed for proposed uses of the 
current high school building. The high school vocational 
classes would remain at the present facility, night school 
would remain, the central offices of the district would 
move to the current high school building and college 
classes plus apprentice program may be developed. 

This building program is an aggressive and necessary 
program. Portage continues to grow. It may grow very 


rapidly in the late seventies and early eighties. The 
Board and administration feel this building program will 
offer the additional facilities and building flexibility nec- 
essary to accommodate student growth through 1985. 


..««PORTAGE TODAY... . 


WHAT IS THE LOCATION? 


Portage is in the northwestern part of Porter County, 
Indiana, spanning an area of thirty square miles. It 
was incorporated in 1959. 

The present area of Portage Township is located in 
the northwest corner of Porter County in northwestern 
Indiana. More than twenty square miles of territory are 
included within the corporate limits. 

Portage lies thirty-five miles east of Chicago, Illinois 
and one hundred fifty miles north of Indianapolis. It is 
at the tip of Lake Michigan. 


INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE 


What are the crops and agricultural products raised 
in and around Portage and Porter County? 

Corn, soy beans, wheat, oats, hay, popcorn and mush- 
rooms are raised in and around Portage. Animal prod- 
ucts include cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry and dairy prod- 
ucts. 

Major steel mills and other industries have been built 
in the historical section. 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT 


How is Portage governed and what are the services 
provided? 

Portage is governer by a major, city judge, cleark-treas- 
urer and seven councilmen who are elected to four years 
terms at a general city election. 


HOUSING 


What are some of the housing facilities in Portage? 

Several subdivisions include modern well built homes 
and builders are continuing to expand both single and 
multiple unit family dwellings. In and near Portage there 
are also several mobile home parks. The Holiday Inn and 
Howard Johnson’s are two major motels located in Port- 
age at U. S. 20 and Indiana 249. 


HEALTH SERVICES 


What health services are available? 
Portage residents may go to Porter Memorial Hospital 


55 


56 


in Valparaiso, Hobart Mercy Hospital or into Gary and 
Chicago hospitals for health care. There are medical and 
dental facilities that provide X-ray services as well as per- 
sonal care. 


LIBRARY 


The newly established Portage Library is located in 
the Portage Mall. The Porter County Bookmobile also 
serves the community. 


....EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.... 


Portage Township Schools continue to expand in en- 
rollment, facilities and programs offered. The School 
Board, composed of five members, is elected by citizens 
from north, south, central and Ogden Dunes area. The 
fifth member is elected at large by the voters. 


The superintendent, assisted by staff, students and 
parents has outlined a building program which includes 
the opening of the new Crisman Elementary School in 
February, 1977, the building of another elementary 
school in South Haven area by 1978 and the opening of 
a new high school by 1980. Eight elementary schools 
with an enrollment of 4374, K-5 students (Dec. '75 
figures) provide numerous individualized learning ex- 
periences for children based on careful assessment of 
each child’s needs. 


As stated in the district philosophy and goals, Portage 


Township School programs stress positive attitude toward 
self and learning. Instructional programs stress compe- 
tency in communication skills and mathematical opera- 
tions. Basic reading competency is a major goal em- 
phasized in all Portage elementary school classrooms. 
When the child enters kindergarten, an informal inven- 
tory reveals his strengths and needs so teachers may 
plan learning-center activities that will build visual and 
auditory skills needed in beginning reading. A basal 
reader approach with small group instruction is stressed 
in the primary grades. 


Pupils with special learning needs have the services 
of several professional staff members and additional 
support services. Reading improvement teachers, directed 
by the elementary consultant, work specifically with sec- 
ond grade children with learning needs in reading and 
they assist teachers with finding additional materials 
needed for specific skill development in the classroom. 
They also assist the talented and gifted pupils in language 
arts with weekly sessions with these groups. A Title | 
tutorial program gives special attention daily to first 
grade children who need help on a one to one basis. 


Services from Porter County Special Education Coopera- 
tive provide classes and assistance for the child with 
learning difficulties. Multiple handicapped children go 
to a special center, the Banta School, which will be 
housed in a new facility now under construction. 


The Portage Township Schools include three middle 
schools and a high school and provide a variety of learn- 
ing opportunities for youngsters in grades six through 
twelve. The middle schools and the high school are 
departmentalized and offer excellent programs in the 
academics as well as in the fine and practical arts. Por- 
tage High School also has exceptional offerings in voca- 
tional programs, business ‘education courses, and has 
recently instituted a new four-phase driver education pro- 
gram. Portage Schools also offer adult education classes 
for both enrichment and credit. The enrollment in the 
four secondary schools is just over 5,000 students. 


»«s + TE FUTURE. ... 


Birthday celebrations are always a time for looking 
back and looking forward. A look back is a joy, since it 
becomes very evident what ‘‘progress’”’ has been achieved. 
A glance forward will give hope toward new horizons. 
During this year Americans who united from scattered 
settlements and countries to form the world’s leading 
democracy will celebrate their bicentennial anniversary. 
In a democratic society it is everyone’s responsibility to 
work together to insure an effective government and pro- 
vide for the welfare of all the people. Democracy requires 
effective leaders to give direction to successful accom- 
plishment. Real leadership requires vision, planning, work 
and evaluation. In a democracy there is always a promise 
of what the population can produce. As Joseph Conrad 
said, ‘‘The mind of man is capable of anything—because 
everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future.’’ 
The mind must be nurtured through education. Plato 
said, ‘‘The direction in which education starts a man will 
determine his future life.’’ 


The early settlers of this area were people with ideals 
and goals. The people of today and of tomorrow possess 
these qualities also and each one has his or her own 
vision of a “‘kind of life’’ to continually strive for. The 
future calls for positive thinking and setting goals. Por- 
tage Township’s government, people, schools, churches 
and organizations have the ability to accomplish what- 
ever they want to achieve. Any level of accomplishment 
is only limited to the vision of the people and education 
must continually strive to provide the people with the 
necessary tools to attain their goals. 


HISTORY OF THE CITY OF VALPARAISO 


The Vidette-Messenger newspaper in Valparaiso has 
prepared a series of Bicentennial issues. The attached 
Valparaiso history is a part of this work and the American 
Revolution Bicentennial Committee would like to thank 
Herb Steinbach, Editor of the Vidette, Mary Henrichs, 
Mr. and Mrs. John Van Ness and any others who, along 
with G. Warren Phillips and the Vidette Staff contributed 
to this work: 

CONTENTS—In Order of Appearance 

Foreword 

Created 140 Years Ago 

Hub Of Porter County 

Serve In Government 

Public Education Blossoms 

Starts In Rented Quarters 

Was Small Academy 

Provides Higher Learning 

Change Technical Approach 

City Of Churches 

Through Public Subscription 

First Hospital In 1890s 

Well Qualified Physicians 

Courts Keep Pace 

Changes On The Square 

Significant Contribution 

Industrial Lifeblood 

Pass From Scene 


....FOREWORD.... 


Valparaiso’s history has been marked by a steady— 
albeit gradual—population growth during its first 100 
years and into its Second Century. 

Among its most noteworthy characteristics have been 
that it has been acclaimed to be an attractive residential 
community, a city of churches, and possessor of an out- 
standing education system extending from the kindergar- 
ten through the technical and university graduate levels. 
lt has a healthy mercantile climate, a moderate but 
progressive governmental operation, and boasts a varied 
assortment of small and medium-sized industrial estab- 
lishments which provide excellent job opportunities, 
especially for skilled and semi-skilled workers. It is the 
seat of the county government, and accordingly is the 
site of various government complexes, including an out- 
standing county hospital. 

The following historical sketches of these various com- 
ponents which make up Valparaiso admittedly show mere- 
ly the “tip of the iceberg’’. And most of these accounts are 
centered around the period since 1936, when Porter 
county observed its Centennial. 

Many leading residents of Valparaiso contributed in 
the research and writing of these sections, and since the 
list is long there is no attempt being made here to give 
personal credit to these individuals. Suffice it to say 


' that the efforts of all those who helped in recording this 


Valparaiso history are deeply appreciated. 


CREATED 140 YEARS AGO 


On Dec. 2, 1865, Valparaiso was officially incorporated 
as a city. This event was duly recognized in 1966 when 
the community celebrated its Centennial. It originally 
was Known as Portersville, which was laid out on July 7, 
1836. On Oct. 31 of that year its plat was formally re- 
corded. So during our nation’s Bicentennial year of 1976, 
our community is observing the 140th year of its creation. 

Valparaiso’s 1860 census indicated that there were 
1,690 persons residing here. The last official count, in 
1974, showed the population had risen to 20,544. 

At random, local governmental records show that the 
city in 1927—-when the population hovered around the 
8,000 mark—had a tax rate of $1.22, including the libra- 
ry rate, which is today included in the Porter County bud- 
get. At this time the city tax rate is $4.59, which in- 
cludes provisions for its parks system—which had not 
been an item in the 1927 budget. 

The city clerk-treasurer’s office was created in 1929. 
First to hold that office was Adelaide Osborne. 

In 1934 an ordinance provided for four councilmanic 
districts. Today Valparaiso is divided into five districts, 
plus two additional councilmen serving at-large. 

A Department of Public Works was formed in 1944, 
comprised of four members. Two years later—in re- 
sponse to the community’s growing needs—a Board of 
Zoning Appeals was established. This consists of five 
members plus an attorney. Records further indicate that: 
In 1950 an ordinance for traffic and parking meters was 
approved; police radio equipment was purchased in 1948; 
and January 1954 saw the start of the city’s sewage 
treatment plant. In 1959 the office of city judge was 
established. That same year the community’s house 
numbering system was extended. 

Business of the people of Valparaiso is carried out 
by more than 175 officials and employes. They have 
the use of four city parking lots ringing the downtown 
area, and various parks, recreation areas and a munici- 
pal golf course. 


HUB OF PORTER COUNTY 


During the mid-1970s the city of Valparaiso serves 
as the governmental, cultural and economic hub of Por- 
ter county, which is one of Indiana’s fastest growing 
regions. Situated 784 feet above sea level, Valparaiso 
comprises more than 7 square miles of territory. There 
are more than 77 miles of streets maintained by the city. 
Water mains extend 87 miles. 

It is the home of America’s largest Lutheran univer- 
sity—Valparaiso University (which observed its centen- 
nial in 1959) and one of the country’s leading electronics 
and communications schools, Valparaiso Technical I|n- 
stitute (now in its second century). 

There are approximately 30 manufacturing industries 
and shops within the city and in its fringes. Among the 


37 


58 


products made here are: food processing machinery, 
permanent magnets, ball bearings, electric lamp guards, 
electric switches, bakelite products, aprons, automobile 
parts, machine tools, refined metals, fiberglass tanks, 
fruit juice cans, steel rollers and automatic sprinkling sys- 
tems. There are 350 retail establishments; a number of 
financial institutions; and various wholesale outlets. Val- 
paraiso is blessed with a stable economy, respectable per- 
household income in the neighborhood of $15,700, com- 
paratively low unemployment rate and sound overall wage 
rates. 

More than 65 per cent of the people of Valparaiso own 
their own homes. More than 600 apartment units have 
been built locally since 1960. More are being constucted, 
or have just recently been completed. 

Although housed in an old building, the Valparaiso 
Public Library is very modern in its offerings to its peo- 
ple. In addition to stocking 50,000 books, nine news- 
papers and 140 periodicals, this facility boasts a Geneo- 
logy Department, Children’s Division and houses 1,500 
assorted recordings in its Record Library. These are just 
some of the wide variety of opportunities that are avail- 
able on the employment, recreational, cultural and gov- 
ernmental services in this community. 


SERVE IN GOVERNMENT 


Valparaiso residents have had a long and honorable 
history of being involved in governmental service at var- 
ious levels. Among the front-runners in Valparaiso’s citi- 
zen-government service ranks historically were E. D. 
Crumpacker, who represented the old 10th Congressional 
district from 1897-1913; and Col. Mark DeMotte, who 
served one term in Washington from 1880-1882. In 
1884 Col. DeMotte was elected to the Indiana Senate for 
one term. 

In the present era Earl F. Landgrebe, of this commun- 
ity, served as Indiana’s Second District representative in 
the U.S. House from 1968 to 1974. Earlier he had 
served 10 years in the Indiana Senate. Also going to 
the state senate in recent years from Valparaiso were 
John W. VanNess and King Telle. Telle also did a six- 
year stint in the Indiana House, from 1967 to 1972. Van- 
Ness, however, particularly established an enviable state 
service record. Not only did he spend 18 years there— 
13 of those he directed the upper chamber as President 
Pro Tem—but he also held various appointive offices. 
In recognition of his outstanding leadership VanNess, 
in 1957, was named by the Senate as President Pro Tem 
Emeritus—the only Hoosier ever to be so honored. Val- 
paraiso men who have served in the Indiana House in- 
clude not only Telle, but also Robert D. Anderson, Quentin 
A. Blachly and John R. Larson—the present local legis- 
lator. 

Through the years many Valparaiso people have been 
appointed to Indiana boards and commissions—and many 
are serving in these offices today. Probably most note- 
worthy of these is George Nelson, called by many the 
‘‘father’’ of Indiana’s Deepsea harbor. He was a long- 
time member of the Indiana Port Commission and its 
predecessor, the Indiana State Board of Harbors and 
Terminals. 


PUBLIC EDUCATION BLOSSOMS 


In 1837—three years after J. P. Ballard built the first 
house in what was to become Valparaiso—the first school 
was held in a small building at the southwest corner of 
what is now the intersection of Jefferson and Franklin 
Streets. The first teacher was Mr. Masters. As the vil- 
lage grew, one-room schools were placed where needed 
to serve the growing enrollment. 

In the early years support for the small one-room 
schools came largely through subscription or fees sup- 
plemented by small amounts from the ‘‘State Common 
School Fund’ which had as its base the sale of public 
lands. The Ordinance of 1787 had set aside the 16th 
section of each Congressional Township for the. support 
of public schools. The Indiana Constitution of 1816 re- 
affirmed this position and the State Constitution of 1851 
established the State Common School Fund. In 1865 
the legislature authorized local school authorities to levy 
a special school tax ‘‘for the construction, rent, or repair- 
ing of school houses, providing furniture, school appa- 
FOHUS, «eve sixs and for the payment of necessary ex- 
penses of the school, including tuition and teachers 
salaries. .... ’". Thus, the means for providing schools 
for all children became a possibility. 

In 1871 the consolidation of the local school program 
took a major step forward. In 1860 the Presbyterians or- 
ganized the Valparaiso Collegiate Institute and in the 
following year erected a building and opened a school on 
a half block on the west side of Franklin Street between 
Erie and Institute Streets. Less than 10 years later this 
building was purchased by the city board of education 
which promptly erected a similar building on the north 
lot and connected the two buildings with a narrow three- 
story structure. Here in 1871 began the graded school 
program adopted by the school board that year. W. H. 
Banta was the new superintendent and was to continue 
as the head of the school for 24 years. In 1924 the new 
elementary school at 605 Beech Street was named in his 
honor. 

With the new graded school in operation and major 
school activities concentrated in one building (one sin- 
gle room building in the southwest corner of the town 
remained in operation) the school program moved for- 
ward. In 1874 the first class, of two members, was 
graduated from the Valparaiso High School. In 1900, 
25 seniors received diplomas, but in 1901 there were but 
nine graduates (included in this class were Olie W. Welty 
and Clara Mabel Herrick, both of whom spent their entire 
careers teaching in the Valparaiso schools). This was 
to be the site of Valparaiso High School until 1927, when 
a new high school was built at 605 Campbell Street. The 
1871 building served until 1903, when it was replaced 
by a new three-story building which housed elementary, 
junior high school, and high school classes until 1927— 
when the high school moved and the lower classes re- 
mained. In 1938 the building burned and was rebuilt 
on the foundation left from the fire. In the year 1972 
the junior high classes moved to the 1927 high school 
building on Campbell Street. This former high school 
building is now known as Benjamin Franklin Junior High 


School. This building was dedicated to Chauncey W. 
Boucher, Superintendent of Schools, 1915-1930, and the 
gymnasium building was named in his honor. Since 
1972 the Central Elementary School has used the school 
building at 305 Franklin Street for elementary and kin- 
dergarten classes. This site might properly be called the 
birth place of modern public education in Valparaiso. 
Here started the first graded elementary school classes, 
the first high school, the first junior high school, and the 
first kindergarten. 

This Central School in the early years cared for most 
of the elementary students in the town, but by 1892 
additional space was needed and Columbia Elementary 
School was completed on the corner of Indiana and 
Locust Streets. In 1899 Gardner Elementary School was 
built at Campbell and Chicago Streets. It was not until 
1924 that Banta Elementary School was erected at 605 
Beech Street. After the building of the high school in 
1927, 25 years were to pass before any new buildings 
were to be constructed, other than the rebuilding of 
Central. 

For more than 100 years the Valparaiso City Schools 
were governed by a board of education of three members 
and the school district lines were identical with the city 
limits. In 1957—-by a vote of the people—the School 
Corporation of Center Township and the School City of 
Valparaiso were consolidated into a new single corpora- 
tion, the Valparaiso Community Schools. It is now gov- 
erned by a school board of five members, four appointed 
by the Valparaiso City Council and one by the Center 
Township Advisory Board. Term of appointment is four 
years. The consolidation became effective January 1, 
1958. Total school enrollment at that time was 3,140. 

Following World War Il the population of the city con- 
tinued to accelerate and this, coupled with the rise in 
the post war birthrate, caused a dramatic increase in 
school enrollment. During the two decades of the fifties 
and the sixties enrollment more than tripled. In 1975 
the enrollment dropped 29 students from the previous 
year high of 5,237. This was the first year since 1950 
that there had not been an annual increase in enrollment. 
During a 20-year period, 1950 to 1970, 19 major school 
building contracts for new buildings or major building 
additions were completed and 16 new sites or site ad- 
ditions were acquired. Lower birthrates are now being 
balanced by continuous population growth so a relatively 
stable future school enrollment is anticipated. 

In 1947 the Valparaiso School Board passed a cumu- 
lative building tax levy effective beginning in 1948. In- 
come from this levy supplemented by short term bonds 
were used to finance the new buildings and sites of the 
elementary and junior high schools. In the spring of 
1970 the newly created Valparaiso Community School 
Building Corporation sold $9,160,000.00 in first mort- 
gage bonds to finance the new high school facilities at 
2727 North Campbell. Before this issue all other in- 
debtedness of the school district had been retired and 
the school was debt free. 

In the school district there are now the following school 
buildings with dates of major initial construction: Ele- 
mentary: Banta—1924, now used by the Porter County 


Special Education Cooperative; Central—1940; Cooks 
Corners—1967; Flint Lake—1953; Hayes Leonard— 
1965; Thomas Jefferson—1964; Memorial—1957; 
Northview—1952; Parkview—1955. Junior High Schools: 
Benjamin Franklin—1927; Thomas Jefferson—1962. Val- 
paraiso High School—1970; Administrative Building— 
1955; School Maintenance Center—1928. 

In the earliest schools the program was almost entirely 
very elementary instruction in the three R’s and the 
school term was short and unpredictable. Since the very 
early days there has been continued improvement in of- 
ferings, attendance, and the length of term. A major 
change was the adoption of the graded system in 1871 
and the establishment of high school instruction with the 
continuing expansion and improvement of curriculum. 
Some examples of this growth are found in the 1900 
high school annual which states that this graduating 
class was the first to have taken a course in Solid Geo- 
metry. By the turn of the century and into the 1920's, 
commerce, modern languages, music, art, manual train- 
ing, and home economics became part of the offering. 
In 1929, a school nurse was employed and the health 
and physical education program was started. The 10- 
year period of the Great Depression saw relatively little 
change, but beginning in the Forties change accelerated. 
Only a few of these changes can be mentioned. The in- 
troduction of machine shop about 1942 was followed 
by a diversified program of career education in such 
fields as health services, business, agriculture, home 
economics and mechanical and technical services. In 
1971, after a two-year study, the Porter County Vocational 
Cooperative was created. It is made up of the four Por- 
ter County school organizations and offers courses in 
several locations in the county. Parallel with this action 
a similar organization made up of all the school districts 
in the county appeared in 1970, the Porter County Special 
Education Cooperative. This organization administers to 
the needs of the handicapped. A central building, in the 
planning stage, is to be located in north Center Town- 
ship. The first class for the handicapped was started 
in Valparaiso in 1956. 

In 1945, a continuing standardized testing program 
was started and science was added in the elementary 
school. In 1948, the school term was lengthened to nine 
and one half months. In 1946 midyear promotions were 
eliminated. In 1962 the three-year junior high school 
and the three-year senior high school became official. 
In 1946 guidance services for high school students had 
their beginning and were soon extended into the junior 
high school. 

The school lunch program first started in Valparaiso 
in the high school in 1945 and is now in all the schools. 
Also the school now buses students to the various build- 
ings. In the past 30 years, the school enrollment has 
increased by more than threefold, population by slightly 
less than that rate, and assessed valuation by more than 
eight times—now $61,329,030. It is expected that 
the growth of the community in population and resources 
will continue. 

As mentioned, the first high school graduation class 
of 1874 had two members. The 100th graduating class 


99 


60 


of 1973 was 339 in number. It is expected that 465 
will graduate in 1976. Records show that in the 1881- 
1882 school year the average daily attendance was 62.8 
percent. Today and for many prior years the average 
would be above 95 percent. Today almost all students 
enrolled in the regular elementary classes will complete 
high school, as compared to an approximately 85 per- 
cent loss in the class of 1901. Today almost two out 
of three high school graduates go on to higher education. 
For more than three quarters of a century kindergarten 
has been offered in Valparaiso. The exact date of its 
beginning is in doubt, but it is believed to be the second 
oldest in Indiana. 

Through the years, since the first school in this com- 
munity, a close spirit of cooperation has prevailed among 


-students, parents, and school people. That the com- 


munity is grateful to and has respect for its teachers is 
shown by the fact that in 1957 the new Memorial Elemen- 
tary School was dedicated to ‘‘those teachers who have 
given a lifetime of leadership and inspiration to the 
boys and girls of this community’. Long and devoted 
service by school board members, administrative staff, 
and teachers has been characteristic in this community. 


STARTS IN RENTED QUARTERS 


In 1864, Immanuel Lutheran Church was formed. The 
first services were held in rented quarters. Within a short 
time a church and school building was erected at the 
corner of Chestnut and Academy Streets. That building 
still stands and is presently a private residence. In 1867 
classes were moved into a residence next door. 

The school remained a vital part of the congregation’s 
thrust, at one time reaching 130 students, but the school 
declined and finally closed in 1913. Meanwhile the church 
has relocated at the corner of Washington and Institute 
Streets in 1891. 

In 1950, a new emphasis in education began with the 
occupancy of an attractive Lannon Stone building at 
826 LaPorte Ave. In 1966, Valparaiso University pur- 
chased the school for its education department. 

Immanuel erected a new structure in 1967 at 1700 N. 
Monticello for school purposes. That building is located 
on 23 acres of ground. The 1975-1976 enrollment in 
grades one through eight is 294 students. 

Immanuel Church burned on July 31, 1975 and so 
church and school are again under one roof, as in 1864. 


WAS SMALL ACADEMY 


The St. Paul Catholic Grade School had its beginning 
in 1863, as a small academy attached to St. Paul’s 
Church. At that time, the church and the school were 
located three miles northwest of Valparaiso on the old 
Chicago Road. Three lay teachers staffed this first 
school. 

Later, after purchasing an acre of land at the corner 
of Chicago and Campbell, the congregation built a school 
at a cost of $8,000. The Sisters of Providence came to 
teach there in 1872, and offered an excellent education 
from grammar through high school. 


In 1901, the Holy Cross Sisters came to St. Paul School 
from St. Mary’s at Notre Dame in South Bend. They, 
with a number of lay teachers, continue to staff the school 
today. The present building was erected in 1950, with 
two additional rooms added in the spring of 1967. 


St. Paul School currently has an enrollment of 225 
students. The students and faculty are looking forward 
in 1976 to the construction of an addition which will 
house a new library, a science laboratory, and several 
additional rooms, which will aid in bringing to the chil- 
dren, a modern curriculum in addition to the religious 
program emphasized by St. Paul School. 


PROVIDES HIGHER LEARNING 


Valparaiso University, as we know it today, is the third 
in a succession of institutions of higher learning that 
have occupied the hilly site on the southeast side of 
the city of Valparaiso. Today’s ‘‘West Campus’ was 
acquired by the Lutheran University Association in 1925 
from the board of trustees which acted as custodian for 
the once-great university which had been created by 
Henry Baker Brown and Oliver Perry Kinsey. Brown, in 
turn, had begun his school (originally the Northern In- 
diana Normal School and Business Institute) in 1873, in 
a building which had housed the Valparaiso Female Col- 
lege, whose history dates back to 1859. 


The first term of the Male and Female College began 
Sept. 21, 1859, when six instructors and 75 students 
met for classes in a temporary wooden building which 
had been built by John N. Skinner on the site of the 
present burned-out Kinsey Hall. Later a brick building 
was built on the site of the present West Campus flag- 
pole. For many years it was the only college building. 
Probably the chief claim to fame of the Male and Female 
College is the fact that, as one of the founders put it, 
“the college at Valparaiso was not for males nor females 
as such.’’ Through all of its subsequent history, the 
College and its successor institutions remained coeduca- 
tional, and Valparaiso University may, therefore, claim 
to be one of the oldest co-educational institutions in the 
country. 


The Male and Female College was, like most higher 
educational institutions of its day, church-related, having 
been founded and supported by the Methodist Church. 
The exodus of young men from the campus during the 
Civil War, followed by the establishment of a state-sup- 
ported system of secondary and post-secondary education 
after the war, forced the trustees in the summer of 1871 
to discontinue classes. The story of Valparaiso’s next 
half century is very largely the story of two remarkable 
men, Henry Baker Brown and Oliver Perry Kinsey, who 
operated that strange and wonderful ‘‘off-beat’’ institu- 
tion which was eventually to be known throughout the 
world as ‘‘the poor man’s Harvard.” 


Having heard of the empty college building in Val- 
paraiso, Brown secured a lease on it from the board of 
trustees and opened the first session of the Northern 
Indiana Normal School and Business Institute on Sept. 
16, 1873. His faculty consisted of four members be- 


sides himself: Miss Mantie E. Baldwin, M. E. Bogarte, 
B. F. Perrine, and Miss Ida Hutchinson. There were 35 
students. 


The Normal School prospered from the very start, so 
much so that in 1881 Brown brought Oliver Perry Kinsey 
to the school as a partner, in the proprietorship and as 
vice-president of the school. Meanwhile, in 1879, Col. 
Mark L. DeMotte had established the Northern Indiana 
Law School, which became officially a part of the Uni- 
versity in 1906. 


In 1900 the Normal School was renamed Valparaiso 
College, and in 1907 the College was renamed Valpa- 
raiso University. But under any name, it was the same 
kind of institution, committed to providing a ‘‘thorough, 
practical education in as short a time, and with as little 
expense, as possible.’’ Enrollment rose consistently, 
reaching a peak in the 1914-1915 academic year when 
a total of 4,977 different students were listed in the 
catalog. But shortly thereafter, the United States got 
involved in the First World War; Brown died (in 1917) 
and Kinsey retired (in 1919). For six years thereafter 
the University floundered until, in 1925, it was bought 
by the Lutheran University Association. 


With Dr. W. H. T. Dau as president and the Rev. John 
C. Baur as business manager, the new administration 
moved swiftly to rebuild the University along more con- 
ventional lines. By 1929, the University had achieved 
accreditation and had put the physical property back into 
good order. Dr. O. C. Kreinheder, the next president, 
had the misfortune of serving through the worst of the 
Great Depression. His accomplishment was keeping the 
university solvent and intact without sacrificing its newly- 
achieved quality. In 1940, after the short acting presi- 
dency of Dr. W. G. Friedrich, the Rev. O. P. Kretzmann 
became Valparaiso’s 14th president and presided over a 
great, 28-year period of growth which saw, in effect, the 
re-creation of the University. A new campus was bought 
and developed, four new colleges were founded or re- 
founded, enrollments grew to surpass the highest known 
under Brown and Kinsey, the faculty was greatly en- 
larged and strengthened, and the University came to 
understand the uniqueness of its mission as a servant 
of the Christian community. 


Upon Dr. Kretzmann’s retirement in 1968, Dr. Albert 
G. Huegli became president and continued the policies 
of his predecessor. Under Dr. Huegli’s administration the 
internal governance of the University has been demo- 
cratized, the curriculum has been revamped, and the 
endowment has been enlarged six-fold. 


By the autumn of 1975, the 46 acres which the 
Lutheran University Association had purcahsed in 1925 
for approximately $225,000 had grown to a campus of 
310 acres valued at approximately $35,000,000. Cen- 
trally located on the new campus is the great Chapel 
of the Resurrection, first used in 1958, which symbolizes 
both the present religious commitment of the University 
and the continuity of its faith since 1859 when pioneer 
Methodists began a work which their Lutheran successors 


are endeavoring to continue. 


CHANGE TECHNICAL APPROACH 


Valparaiso Technical Institute officially came into exis- 
tence as a resident radio school March 16, 1944, at 
which time the faculty and student body moved from the 
Dodge Institute of Telegraphy buildings on Monroe Street 
into the new school quarters at the west end of Lincoln- 
way on Road 130. At that time the name of the school 
was changed to reflect the true nature of the curricula, 
making the late Dr. J. B. Hershman the founder and first 
president of the Institute as it is today. Dr. Hershman 
had taken over as head of the Dodge School of Radio in 
1934. He added radio engineering and radio servicing 
courses at that time and expanded the existing Marine 
Radio course. 

The original Tech building, formerly occupied by the 
Pitkens & Brooks Glass Company, was purchased to 
house Army Program students during World War II. Inas- 
much as an engineering firm reported that the building 
was in excellent condition, it was decided, by complete- 
ly remodeling and redecorating, that better quarters 
could be obtained here for a new school than at any 
other location in Valparaiso. Additional land was obtained 
at this time to insure room for future expansion. 

Following WW II, courses were added in Television, TV 
Servicing, and many other courses aimed primarily at op- 
portunities becoming available in industry. Before the war 
the field was divided under two headings, radio and elec- 
tricity. Following the war, the fields were encompassed 
with the term ‘‘electronics’’. 

In 1947 the Memorial Hall dormitory was erected. That 
same year the student cafeteria, the Hut was added. In 
1952 VTI students, under the direction of Eugene E. Bull- 
is, erected a building to house a 20 kilowatt FM trans- 
mitter. This building has been converted into a dormitory 
following the housing crunch in the 60’s. At about this 
same time Ennis Hall, another dormitory, was erected to 
the north of Memorial Hall. 

In 1954 the school acquired a large tract of land from 
Lewis E. Myers, including the building which originally 
housed the Chautauqua Desk Company and the Conti- 
nental Pharmaceutical Company, selling patent medicines 
under their name, Golden Acres. One of the world’s first 
DDT plants was located in that part of the Myers build- 
ing which presently houses radio station WNWI. 

In the midst of this progress, in 1956, Dr. J. B. Hersh- 
man was the victim of an automobile accident. His wid- 
ow, Mrs. Nettie B. (Ferguson) Hershman took over ac- 
tive control of the school until she convinced a_ friend, 
Dr. W. D. A. Peaslee, to take over as president of the in- 
stitute. Peaslee was well-known in engineering circles 
and knew his way around in the field of vocational edu- 
cation. He was able to complete before his death in 1959 
the restructuring of the campus, combining the. Myers 
property with the original campus. His goal was to make 
it look like it was planned that way. A visitor to the cam- 
pus can see that he accomplished his goal. 

Following Peaselee as the third president of VTI was 
its present president, G. Edward Hershman, son of the 
founder. His brother, Arthur L. Hershman was named 
Vice-president of the institute. 


61 


62 


Steinmetz Hall was constructed in the fall of 1966 so 
that the school could accommodate more students on 
campus. This dormitory includes facilities in the lower 
level for several of the clubs on campus including the 
Audio Club, the Model Railroad Club, and the Camera 
Club. The student radio station, WVTI, and the student 
Ham Radio Station, W9SAL, are located in Memorial Hall. 

The early part of the 1970s saw the creation of the 
Wilbur H. Cummings Museum of Electronics, named in 
honor of the first president of the Alumni Association. 
Everything from the early 1912 spark gas transmitter 
from the Dodge school to early portable radios can be 
seen in the museum. The collection is growing as more 
alumni find things in their attics which should be in the 
museum. 

Dedicated during VTI’s centennial celebration in 1974 
was Audio Junction, the Sound Gallery of Distinction. The 
gallery is a retail outlet for some of the finest audio equip- 
ment available. It is also located in the Myers building, 
named Hershman Hall in honor of VTI’s founder. 


....CITY OF CHURCHES.... 


For many years Valparaiso has been widely known as 
a ‘‘city of churches’’—and this spiritual uplift is still 
very much alive here today. Current records indicate that 
there are more than 20 churches located in Valparaiso 
at the present time. 

Where once congregations met for worship primarily 
in the near-downtown section of the city, today the num- 
ber of central core churches has diminished. Many have 
moved to the outer fringes. Need for more parking played 
a partial role in the decisions for re-location. But more 
than that some of the moves were dictated by the deteri- 
oration of the old time buildings. 

A look into Valparaiso’s church rosters brings forth 
such thumb-nail views as these: 

The Apostolic Christian house of worship is located 
at 805 East Jefferson Street. Prior to occupancy there 
by the present group, this structure was the meeting 
place for members of the Assembly of God Church. 

When the Assembly of God vacated the Jefferson prop- 
erty, they moved their quarters to 154 West Chicago 
Street. This had been the spiritual home of the First Bap- 
tist congregation—but they no longer required the build- 
ing on Chicago, because they had built a new church 
home at 2205 Campbell Street. 

The Calvary Baptists hold their services at 402 East 
Harrison—a property on which they have expanded their 
facilities several times. 

The Open Door Baptists convene regularly at 461 
Roane Lane. 

In October 1967 St. Paul’s Roman Catholic members 
moved their old edifice at Chicago and Campbell streets 
to a modern and larger edifice at 1800 Harrison Boule- 
vard. 

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, convenes for 
its services at 101 Institute Street. It has been at that lo- 
cation since 1931. 

Followers of the Church of Christ gather for worship 
at 1805 North Campbell Street. 


As they have done for many years, members of St. An- 
drews Episcopal church continue to hold services at 100 
Erie Street. 

Seventh Day Adventist church is located at 802 Wayne 
Street. 

There are four Lutheran congregations representing 
various denominations. Members of Christ Lutheran 
gather for services at 2610 North Campbell Street. Trin- 
ity Lutheran is located at 201 North Washington Street. 

Lutheran services are also held at the Chapel of the 
Resurrection on the campus of Valparaiso University. Im- 
manuel Lutheran members recently saw their facilities 
at their downtown church at 303 North Washington rav- 
aged by fire, and currently all their services are being 
held at the Immanuel Lutheran school, 1700 North Mon- 
ticello Drive. 

Congregation of the Church of the Nazarene has for 
many years, and still convenes at its edifice at 154 South 
Lafayette Street. 

The long-established First Presbyterian church services 
are today being held in new quarters at 3401 Valparaiso 
Street, having moved there in 1974 from a downtown 
structure located at Jefferson and Franklin Streets. 

A new structure was also built in recent years by the 
First United Methodist church, which retained its long 
established property at 105 Franklin Street. It was ded- 
icated in October 1969. 

Another congregation of long standing in this com- 
munity is the First Christian church located at Chicago 
and Franklin. 

Temple Israel holds its religious services at 22 Wash- 
ington Street. 

Others listed on the Valparaiso church roster are: Apos- 
tolic Faith, 805 Evans; Central Christian, 156 Willow 
Street; and Wesleyan, 604 Monroe. Those of Mormon 
faith meet at 302 Green Acres. 


....THROUGH PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION .... 


The Valparaiso Public Library had its beginning 
through a public subscription by early settlers in the 
summer of 1838 and totaled $67.25 for the purchase of 
books. Through the years this collection of books was 
kept in various homes in the community. By 1850 there 
were 500 books. 

With the passing of a new state library law in the 
mid-1800s, these books were distributed to all the town- 
ship trustees. School authorities purchased new books 
and along with donations of other books by residents, 
this new collection was placed in stores, where space 
permitted, while a clerk acted as librarian. 

This haphazard library continued until 1894 when in- 
terested citizens formed a library committee of 30 peo- 
ple. The library committee planned to solicit donations 
from the community hoping to eventually raise enough 
to purchase 5,000 books. 

However, this noble project failed to attain its goal 
because merchants feared competition from a ‘‘free li- 
brary” and a “‘higher taxes’’ warning. Prospects brighten- 
ed for the library committe in 1897 and a new attempt 
for funding was headed by Prof. O. P. Kinsey. Money for 


2,000 books was raised and a librarian hired at $10 a 
week. The collection was housed in vacant stores during 
this period. 

In 1904 the first permanent structure for a library 
was the “‘Hunt Memorial Library’’ located on Washington 
St. made possible by the Will of Hubbard M. and Finette 
M. Hunt. The library operated from this building for 12 
years. 

April 1913 saw the purchase of the present land at 
Jefferson St. and Michigan Ave. by O. P. Kinsey as a 
new site for the public library. Through the efforts of 
Kinsey and other board members, a Carnegie grant of 
$20,000 was acquired for a new building. New York 
architect, Edward Tilton, soon completed drawings of 
the new library. The new Valparaiso Public Library was 
dedicated May 26, 1916. 


The present library building has been in continuous 
use since that time with no substantial changes made 
on the structure except for relocation of facilities within 
the building. During these 59 years the collection of 
books has increased to nearly 52,000 volumes plus 
films, recordings, framed prints and other services for 
the library’s patrons. 

A major step forward in library service occurred July 
1, 1973 when the Valparaiso Public Library and Porter 
County contractual Public Library Boards merged to form 
the Valparaiso-Porter County Public Library System. Pub- 
lic library service is now available to nearly 72,000 resi- 
dents in Porter County through permanent library facil- 
ities in Valparaiso, Portage, South Haven and Kouts. 
Rural areas are served by a bookmobile. 


....FIRST HOSPITAL IN 1890s.... 


The first hospital built in Valparaiso was constructed 
by Dr. D. J. Loring of Valparaiso in the 1890s. In 1905 
the ownership and operation of the hospital was assumed 
by the National Benevolent Association of St. Louis, an 
agency of the Christian Churches. In January, 1937, the 
ownership and management was assumed by the Chris- 
tian Hospital Board of Valparaiso. The hospital was ap- 
proximately 25 beds in size. The building gave the ap- 
pearance of being a large mansion-type residence, and 
still stands across the street from the Valparaiso Library 
on Jefferson Street. 

As a result of the desire to build a County hospital, 
interested voters succeeded in developing a referendum 
in the early 1920s, which was defeated overwhelmingly 
by voters of the County. Again, in 1926, it was put on 
the ballot and again defeated. Finally, it was again put 
on the ballot in 1938 and due to the strenuous efforts 
of local citizens, the referendum passed. The planning 
and construction of Porter Memorial Hospital was then 
initiated, and a 48-bed hospital opened its doors on Dec. 
9, 1939. The construction costs for this facility were 
approximately $250,000. During the first six months of 
operation, the hospital admitted 620 patients and re- 
corded 139 births. 

Due to extensive utilization of the facilities, the first 
addition to the hospital became necessary and was com- 


pleted in 1948. This increased the hospital bed size to 
96 beds, at a cost of $195,000. Continued expansion 
of services required a second addition, which cost 
$580,000, and was completed in 1954. This addition in- 
creased the size of the institution to 155 beds and 20 
bassinets. Further growth in the area and increased use 
of the facilities required a third addition, which was com- 
pleted in 1962, at a cost of $1,750,000. This increased 
the capacity of the hospital to 230 beds and 30 bassinets. 

A fourth addition was required and completed in 1969 
at a cost of $6.2 million. This addition increased the 
size of the hospital to approximately 210,000 square 
feet. It increased the capacity of the institution to 340 
beds and 42 bassinets. This addition included a new Op- 
erating Room Department, a new X-Ray Department, a 
new Maternity Department and 142 additional patient 
beds. 

Continued growth and activity has required a fifth 
addition to Porter Memorial Hospital. In the fall of 1973, 
ground was broken for a $9.2 million addition. The fi- 
nancing is being done primarily through a six-year Cu- 
mulative Building Fund Tax Levy which terminated in 
1974 and raised over $6 million. Investment of the Cumu- 
lative Building Fund, as it was being acquired, resulted in 
an income exceeding $1.5 million. When completed, the 
entire addition will be paid, with no outstanding debt. 

Presently underway are two other projects being built 
by the Board of Trustees. First, a Comprehensive Mental 
Health Center is being built on the north side of the city 
at a cost of $1.2 million. Of these funds, $300,000 was 
derived from the hospital Cumulative Building Fund and 
the remaining $900,000 furnished by the Indiana De- 
partment of Mental Health. The facility is being leased to 
the Porter-Starke Services, Inc., who is responsible for 
operation of the center. 


....WELL QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS... .. 


The city of Valparaiso and surrounding community has 
been ably served by well-qualified physicians. In 1936 
the Christian hospital on Jefferson St. was the center of 
activity used by local doctors. Miss Clara Gulbransen was 
supervisor; Surgical laboratory was on the second floor 
and patients had to be carried to the lower floor where 
space was at a premium. 

The early 1940s saw a new county hospital built and 
ready to serve the community. From records furnished by 
Dr. C. M. Davis (a Logansport native) who came here 
as a licensed physician in 1928, the following were his 
co-workers, all of whom have earned the rank of com- 
pleted careers: 

Dr. Ross Axe, Dr. Wm. Bateman, Dr. R. D. Blount, 
Dr. C. H. DeWitt, Dr. Samuel Dittmer, Dr. A. O. Dobbins, 
Dr. G. R. Douglas, Dr. Ralph Eades, Dr. Malcolm Fyfe, 
Dr. H. E. Gowland and Dr. Harry Hayward. 

Also, Dr. F. J. Kleinman, Dr. Kjos, Dr. LaRocca, Dr. 
Mark Loring, Dr. E. H. Miller, Dr. Leo Noonan, Dr. Henry 
Poncher, Dr. E. H. Powell, Dr. Leonard Sachs, Dr. G. H. 
Stoner and Dr. Paul Vietzke. 

Valparaiso like other modern cities has seen the in- 
dividual family doctor give way to the medical clinic where 


63 


64 


groups of doctors serve the community. One of the first 
organized locally was the Valparaiso Medical Center at 
1005 Campbell, promoted by Dr. Pau! Vietzke and others. 
Shortly thereafter, upon his return from military service, 
Dr. Eugene DeGrazia established a clinic at 802 Laporte 
Ave. near Porter Memorial hospital. 

As business activity seemed to move north, a group 
of dentists established a clinic at 809 Wall St. Much later 
a large medical clinic was built, including a pharmacy at 
1101 Glendale. The prime planners here were Dr. Robert 
Koenig and Dr. Leonard Green. Following, the Moayad 
clinic at 1105 Glendale became a reality. In the mean- 
time the Dittmer brothers, Jack and Tom had established 
offices at 60 Jefferson St. 


. a» /QURTS KEEP PACE... 


A resume of the activities of the courts and legal pro- 
fession in Porter County for the past 40 years reflects a 
development comparable in scope to that of the county 
in general. Whereas 40 years ago the population of this 
county was approximately 25,000, it is now in excess of 
80,000 and shows no evidence of diminishing In its rate 
of growth. 

Forty years ago two courts served the county, the Por- 
ter Circuit Court of the 67th Judicial Circuit of Indiana, 
and the Porter Superior Court, whose benches were oc- 
cupied at that time by Judges Charles W. Jensen and 
Mark B. Rockwell, respectively. 

Judge Jensen was followed in office by lra C. Tilton, 
Walter M. Crisman, Leo J. Clifford, G. L. Burns and Al- 
fred J. Pivarnik, the present judge. Judge Rockwell was 
followed by J. A. Fleishbein, Roland P. Sievers and Rus- 
sell A. Nixon, the present judge. 

Several years ago a second Superior Court was cre- 
ated and Russell A. Willis first served by gubernatorial 
appointment, later to be followed by Bruce W. Douglas. 
the present judge. The 1975 session of the Indiana Gen- 
eral Assembly provided for the creation of a County Court 
which will eventually replace city and justice courts. This 
court will be presided over by Bryce E. Billings. 

Reverting to the growth in number of the county legal 
profession, in 1936 the people of Porter County had 
about 30 attorneys serving their needs. An examination 
of the Indiana Legal Directory reveals that there are now 
slightly in excess of 100 attorneys listed in Porter Coun- 
ty. 

There are numerous reasons for this large increase, 
the main one, of course, being the greatly increased pop- 
ulation of the county and the influx of industries. An- 
other is that many graduates of the Valparaiso University 
School of Law remain in the county. Still another is the 
proliferation of appointed boards and bureaus which 
touch upon the lives of the public in the fields of zon- 
ing. planning. obtaining permits and other areas into 
which governments at all levels appear to be encroaching. 
What. years ago. were relative simple matters are now 
controlled or affected by governmental regulations of 
the most complex nature and often require the services 
of attorneys. 

One important change in the practice of law during 


the period under discussion is the organization of large city < 
membership law firms. This serves the purpose of ex- cross 
pense sharing and permits the various members of the trols. 
firm to indulge in the specialization of practice. Forty of th 
years ago few firms in Porter County comprised more able 
than two or three attorneys. It is apparent from this who ' 
resume that the practice of law today is not the prosey buyin 
business conducted in the comparatively dingy office of Th 
yesteryear. It is now called upon to serve in many fields down 
and solve many problems which formerly did not -exist exper 
or were handled by laymen without benefit of legal coun- larly 
sel. ticipe 
as tt 

....CHANGE ON THE SQUARE.... ~ ciatic 


Only 40 years ago most of the residents of Valparaiso. 
could do all of their shopping for groceries and other 
needs in the downtown area, for the square around the Th 
courthouse was substantially occupied with a variety of has f 
mostly home-owned stores, large and small. That was -omn 
in 1936, the year the county observed with a celebration “alpa 
its 100th anniversary, and the city population was about vived 
8,500. goal: 

It was not uncommon on a Saturday night to see busin 
crowds of farmers on the city square, in small groups resid 
chatting about the weather and whatnot, and just before of liv 
the stores were to close, rushing into them to make their Gr 
purchases, and then climb into their cars, or buggies and has b 
take off for home in the country. The throngs were larger ment 
in the spring, summer and fall, than in winter, because prove 
of the weather. types 

As the years progressed, however, some of the larger cial 
stores began to move to the periphery of the city, and possi 
in some instances shopping areas were established, for Sary 
the convenience of customers who did not have to travel Nortt 
so far as the center of the city for their needs. To these Fede 
areas, smaller stores were established in clusters that tend 
became shopping malls, catered to most household have 
requirements. 

On an average day in 1936 many farm vehicles, some! 
drawn by horses. were tied up at rails around the Court- tered 
house square, and tethered at places on the streets par- cond 
allel to the sidewalks. The first area outside of the cen- Moltz 
tral core to attract stores and business was the East Over 
Lincolnway district, where a hardware and auto dealer apa 
ship was established, later being added to by other busi’ :.962 
nesses. nearl 

As the city's population grew to the figure of 20,500.natio 
in 1975, it meant a spread-out of homes and apartments desk 
to new territory beyond the old city limits, which were The | 
expanded by the city council frequently, in most direc: ingto 
tions. but mainly to the north. Physicians followed the cupié 
trend to the outskirts of the city and built handsome clin- ing t 
ics with large car-parking lots that drew more patient Fr 
business than was possible in the crowded downtown tion 
area. offic 

As the city expanded in area, chain stores moved to in 1 
town. mostly in the shopper centers with ultra-large park- hom 
ing facilities, and these drew lots of smaller stores to plete 
the section, making greater business for all. All these eral 
expansion moves of course provided problems for the tion 


ze city officials, who were faced with increased traffic flow, 
x. crossing flashers, pedestrian protection and police pa- 
ve trols. What followed inevitably was the extinction of most 
ty of the locally-owned shops and stores, that were vulner- 
re able to the larger chain promotions to draw cutomers, 
iis who found that their pricing was an inducement to switch 
ey buying patterns. 
of The era of the '30s was one of depression-like slow- 
ds down, during which every family used more care in its 
ist expenditures and affected business in general, particu- 
in- larly of luxury items. This in turn whittled down par- 
ticipation by business of its link with organizations such 
as the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants Asso- 
ciation, etc. 


SO. .... SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION... . 
ler 
he The heritage behind Valparaiso’s financial institutions 
of has had a significant contribution to the progress of the 
iagcommunity. In the years following the Great Depression, 
on /alparaiso had three financial institutions. All had sur- 
yut vived the depression and had as their unwritten common 
goal: To help residents, both new and old, to establish 
ee businesses, build, buy and remodel homes, and to aid 
ips residents in maintaining the highest possible standard 
sre of living conditions. 
eir Growth of all three of Valparaiso’s financial institutions 
nd has been attributed to the wise and conservative manage- 
zer ment of each. Competition between the institutions has 
ise proven to be the major influence for growth as it is in all 
types of business. The residents served by these finan- 
zer cial institutions are the people who make competition 
nd possible. It is with great pride during this 200th anniver- 
for sary of our nation that First National Bank of Valparaiso, 
ve} Northern Indiana Bank and Trust Company, and First 
»se Federal Savings and Loan Association of Valparaiso ex- 
hat tend their thanks and appreciation to the people who 
old have made their success possible. 


me In 1936 First Federal Savings of Valparaiso was quar- 
irt- tered in the Bornholt Building at 11 East Lincolnway. It 
ar. conducted business at this location, now occupied by 
en. Moltz Jewelry Store, until November, 1938. Mark L. Dick- 
ast over was elected president in 1935 and served in that 
ler -apacity until 1957, and as Chairman of the Board until 
ysi! 962. He served the association in varying capacities for 
nearly 62 years. Dickover had the distinction of being the 
00 nation’s oldest savings and loan official, working at his 
nts desk right up to the day prior to his death in June, 1962. 
ere The association moved its office in 1938 to 66-68 Wash- 
‘ec. ington Street. The building at this address had been oc- 
the cupied by the Valparaiso National Bank which failed dur- 
lin. ing the depression. 
ent Fred H. Bartz was elected president of the associa: 
ywn tion in 1958. In the latter part of 1960, the first branch 
office of the association was opened in Portage. Also 
| to in 1960, First Federal began acquiring land around its 
ark. home office on Washington Street. Acquisition was com- 
to pleted late in 1967 and in March, 1968, razing of sev- 
ese eral old buildings started the initial phase of construc- 
the tion for the association's new four-story office building. 


The new office was opened for business on Dec. 15, 
1969. In 1965 Joseph C. Durand was elected president 
and still holds that position today. 


The year 1936 witnessed Bruce Loring, a local attor- 
ney, become president of the First State Bank of Val- 
paraiso. With Loring’s sudden passing after only two 
and one half years in the presidency, Paul Nuppnau be- 
came the first non-attorney in the bank history to be ap- 
pointed to the presidential position. With 11 years of 
bank experience, Nuppnau brought with him a strong 
working knowledge of bank operations, and guided the 
bank through the war years of the forties and early fifties. 

In 1955, the fifth president, Wayne Stoner, was elected 
at the time of Nuppnau’s death. Stoner was in office when 
the bank changed from the First State Bank to the First 
National Bank, upon receiving a National Charter. Also, 
Stoner played a major role in the Dec. 16, 1960 open- 
ing of the Portage branch office, as well as the east 
branch office, which was opened Jan. 12, 1970. 

Atty. George Douglas became an interim president in 
1974. Although Douglas’ term was short, he was instru- 
mental in effecting a smooth transition until William J. 
Welter became president in July, 1974. During Welter’s 
presidency, the bank merged with the Citizen’s Bank of 
Hebron on Feb. 28, 1975, expanding operations in south 
Porter County. 


Located at the corner of Lincolnway and Franklin 
Streets, the Farmers State Bank had as its president Pa- 
trick W. Clifford. Clifford, who had pioneered much of the 
area in railroading, became the bank’s fifth president. 
He led the bank during the post-depression years. In 1941 
Edward Ohlfest, a long-time officer, was elected presi- 
dent. Upon his untimely death in 1950, Harold W. Cleve- 
land assumed the office of president. 

An expansion program nearly doubling the size of the 
quarters and modernizing the exterior of the building was 
completed in 1957. In 1959 the bank purchased the cor- 
ner lot on Michigan and Jefferson Streets and constructed 
three drive-in teller windows. Atty. James W. Chester be- 
came president and chairman of the board in 1960. Ches- 
ter held both posts until 1966 when Robert B. Coolman 
was elected president. 

In 1970 Coolman became Vice Chairman of the Board 
and Executive Vice President Joseph W. Bibler became 
president. Chester continued to serve as board chairman. 
Also in 1970, three parcels of land were put together in 
the purchase of a quarter block north of the main of- 
fice, thus accommodating customer parking and an ad- 
ditional drive-in, walk-up window. 


.... INDUSTRIAL LIFEBLOOD.... 


Lifeblood of the community !s provided by its approx- 
imate 30 manufacturing plants and shops. Valparaiso’s 


industry is widely diversified and offers employment in. 


the main to skilled and semi-skilled workers. 

Among the manufactured products are ball bearings. 
electric lamp guards, electric switches, automobile parts. 
permanent magnets, food processing machinery, bake- 


65. 


66 


lite products, fiberglass tanks, fruit juice cans, automa- 
tic sprinkler systems, steel rollers, refined metals, ma- 
chine tools and aprons. 

These plants and shops include: 

The Electrical Division of MCGILL MANUFACTURING 
COMPANY, INC. was founded in 1905 and is the oldest 
continuously operating major industry in Valparaiso. 

McGill snap-action, toggle, rocker, momentary contact, 
push-button and universal lever type switches are used 
in electrically operated products of all types from appli- 
ances to computers. Both standard stock switch series 
and switches designed and built to customer specifica- 
tions are produced. Electrical Division sales to the ori- 
ginal equipment manufacturer market have shown steady 
and substantial growth in recent years. Introduction of 
new exclusive switch designs has built McGill’s recog- 
nition as a supplier of switches of unsurpassed quality 
and versatility. In addition to switches, the McGill Elec- 
trical Division, with two plants in Valparaiso, produces 
service lights, lamp guards, sockets, lamp changers and 
many other electrical safety products for the electrical 
construction and maintenance field. 

McGill’s Bearing Division started in 1925, manufac- 
tures precision anti-friction bearings including needle rol- 
ler, caw follower, spherical roller bearings and_ pillow 
blocks as standard products. In addition, McGill designs 
and produces special needle, roller and ball bearings to 
meet specific customer needs. The Bearing Division is well 
recognized as a major source of quality precision bear- 
ings and a leader in the development of improved bear- 
ing designs. McGill bearings are used by leading manu- 
facturers of a broad range of products including machine 
tools, construction machinery, hydraulic pumps, air- 
craft, outboard motors, etc. McGill has a second bearing 
plant in Culver, Indiana and a third in Monticello, Indi- 
ana. 

Corporate offices of McGill, as well as the Valparaiso 
Bearing Division, are located at 909 North Lafayette 
Street. Principal officers of the company are Charles S. 
McGill, Chief Executive Officer; James C. McGill, Secre- 
tary; A. B. Williamson, President; Arnold Brown, Vice- 
President Manufacturing—Bearing Division; and James 
S. Eason, Vice-President and General Manager—Electrical 
Division. 

Employment at divisions in the Valparaiso area totals 
1,015 according to information received from Darwin C. 
Whitesell, Director of Advertising. Total employment at 
all locations is 1,260 persons. 

Products of McGill Manufacturing Company are distri- 
buted throughout the world and are recognized for con- 
sistently high quality and excellence of design. 

aS % oy 

Headquarters of INDIANA GENERAL are at 405 Elm 
Street. IG is a division of Electronic Memories & Magne- 
tics Corporation whose headquarters are at 1880 Cen- 
tury Park East, Lost Angeles, California 90067. 

Indiana General was founded in 1908 in a small build- 
ing on Elm Street as the Indiana Steel Products Com- 
pany. In 1959 the name was changed to Indiana Gen- 
eral Corporation after a consolidation with General Cer- 
amics, Inc. of Keasbey, New Jersey. In 1969 Indiana 


General merged with Electronic Memories, a California 
company, to form Electronic Memories & Magnetics Cor- 
poration. IG’s major product is permanent magnets and 
magnetic materials produced in it’s Valparaiso plants 
which employ more than 600 people. Millions of mag- 
nets made in Valparaiso are vital components in a wide 
range of end products including automobiles, appliances, 
telephones, radio and television sets, electric motors 
and a host of others. The president of Indiana General is 
James D. Norman with headquarters in Valparaiso. 


From 1910 until 1957 URSCHEL LABORATORIES, IN- 
CORPORATED was housed in a relentlessly expanding 
complex of buildings located at 158 South Napoleon 
Street. 

Founded by William E. Urschel to manufacture his 
newly-invented gooseberry snipper, the business became 
a springboard for the development of dozens of other 
unique machines for harvesting and processing a wide 
variety of foods. Hence, the presence of the word ‘‘La- 
boratories'’ which is still retained in the title of the firm. 

In recent years all effort has been toward designing 
and manufacturing high speed, precision cutting ma- 
chinery for use in the food industry. Because of the wide 
use of these machines by every major food processor, it 
may be said that everyone each day enjoys at least one 
food product prepared with the assistance of Urschel 
machines. 

October 1957 marked the move to the present loca- 
tion at 2503 Calumet Avenue. At that time, the newly 
constructed plant covered 18,500 square feet and since 
that time has been expanded to its present size of 90,000 
square feet. Urschel Laboratories, Incorporated is a fam- 
ily owned corporation employing 160 persons. Officers 
are Joe R. Urschel, president, Gerald Urschel, vice-presi- 
dent, Kenneth Urschel, secretary, and George Pilgrim, 
manager of marketing. National and international sales 
are under the direction of Charles Ashton, vice president 
of sales. 

CHESTER, INC. is the world’s largest popcorn seed 
firm—and it boasts that it produces the most expensive 
popcorn in the world. Chester’s popcorn enterprise, how- 
ever, is but one of the firm’s four principal departments. 

Operating fertilizer plants at Valparaiso, Boone Grove 
and Brookston, it is one of the largest manufacturers 
and distributors of liquid fertilizers and equipment in the 
Midwest. Also it distributes agricultural chemicals 
throughout Indiana. 

A fourth department involves Chester’s planning and 
building of grain and feed processing, drying and storage 
systems—on the farm and commercially. This unit spe- 
cializes in the design and installation of irrigation sys- 
tems for agricultural and commercial markets. It also 
operates a complete winter recreation vehicle sales and 
service—including snowmobiles, accessories and cloth- 
ing. 

Actually the company was established in 1936 by 
George F. Chester and Son as a hybrid seed corn com- 
pany, and was purchased by the present owners in 1951, 
who used the name Chester Hybrids, Inc. In 1967 the hy- 


brid seed corn department was sold to Cargill, Inc., and 
the name was changed to Chester, Inc. The firm later 
constructed a new plant on U. S. Highway 30, three 
miles east of Valparaiso, which through the years has 
grown to a sizable complex of buildings and facilities. 

Principal officers are Orville C. Redenbacher, chair- 
man of the board; and Charles F. Bowman, president 
and general manager. 

Earlier Redenbacher managed the 12,000-acre Prince- 
ton, Ind., Farms, and Bowman managed the Purdue Uni- 
versity Alumni Seed Improvement Association. 


THE ANDERSON COMPANY joined the ranks of Val- 
paraiso industries in June, 1961 with the opening of its 
Roton Products Division. Located at 260 South Campbell 
Street, the division has steadily expanded its line of prod- 
ucts to include certain categories formerly manufac- 
tured at the Gary facility. 

256 people are presently employed here in the manu- 
facture of equipment such as power seat and window con- 
trol mechanisms for the automotive industry as well as 
Roton linear motion actuators for a wide variety of appli- 
cations. 

Historically, a large part of the Anderson Company’s 
sales volume is to the automobile industry for original 
equipment as well as after-market replacement. The fa- 
miliar Anco brand of windshield wiper blades, arms and 
accessories is distributed nation-wide and to countries 
of Central and South America, Europe, and the Orient. 
Seat recliner mechanisms are shipped principally to cus- 
tomers located in Michigan and Kentucky. 


ste sls 
EAS Ph 


One of Valparaiso’s newer industries is INDIANA IN- 
FORMATION CONTROLS, INCORPORATED founded in 
1967 for the purpose of providing professional data pro- 
cessing services to banks, business, and industry. Lo- 
cated at 2401 Calumet Avenue, Indiana Information Con- 
trols is a complete data processing complex. Modern fa- 
cilities cover more than 15,000 square feet and include 
the newest computer hardware, an environmentally con- 
trolled computer room and complete archive vault sys- 
tem for tape storage. Indiana Information Controls is a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Urschel Laboratories, Incor- 
porated. 


The 60 employes of this company comprise the staff of 
analysts, computer programmers, operators and trans- 
portation personnel, all of whom are carefully trained to 
keep pace with the latest developments in computer 
technology. Customers now include 54 banks and 175 
businesses throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. 


* * & 


OWENS-CORNING FIBERGLAS CORPORATION started 
production in its Valparaiso NCP, Non-Corrosive Products 
Division in 1969. Four years later in 1973, a companion 
R & C Division of the same corporation began manufac- 
turing polyester resins. 

Both divisions are located on adjoining sites east of 
the city on US Highway 30. Herm Waters, Plant Manager 
of the NCP Division stated that 74 persons are now em- 


ployed in the manufacture of two general types of stor- 
age tanks. The underground types of tank range in ca- 
pacity from 1500 to 12,000 gallons and are used primar- 
ily for storage of petroleum products. Aboveground tanks 
are available in sizes from 3000 to 30000 gallon capa- 
city, and are used to store and process acids and chemi- 
cals, and also for water storage. 

Products of both Valparaiso plants of Owens-Corning 
Fiberglas Corporation are marketed throughout the 
United States and shipped by truck to their destinations. 


THE COCA COLA COMPANY, FOODS DIVISION, of 
Houston, Texas opened its Valparaiso production facility 
in September, 1968 and by April, 1969 reported em- 
ployment of 35 people at this location. 

Situated in the industrial area east of Valparaiso along 
US Highway 30, this plant manufactures 46 ounce size 
steel cans for HI-C Fruit Drink. Choice of the Valparaiso 
site by company officials was largely influenced by the 
availability of tin plate from mills conveniently located 
only a few miles distant in north Porter County. 

Cans produced at this plant are shipped by truck and 
rail to contract packers in Texas, Oklahoma, California, 
Minnesota, Wisconsin, lowa, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. 
Employment during much of the 1975 period to date 
has been at a peak of 55 persons according to Carolyn 
Hamacher, Staff Assistant to James Callahan, Plant Man- 
ager. 


te 
ok 


Francis H. Kroeger, plant manager of UNION ROLLS 
CORPORATION, confirms that installation of additional 
equipment is soon to start at the plant east of Valpa- 
raiso in U.S. 30. New high horsepower roll grinding 
and lathe turning machinery will substantially increase 
the productive capacity of this specialized industry. 

Since opening in October 1971, Union Rolls, a subsi- 
diary of Union Electric Steel Corporation of Carnegie, 
Pa., has found it necessary to expand with the addition 
of 22,500 square feet, bringing total floor area to more 
than 50,000 square feet. Sixty people are employed in 
the manufacturing and reconditioning of forged, hardened 
steel rolls used in the production of plates and sheets 
by major U.S. steel mills. Services and products are sup- 
plied to cold rolling operations in the Chicago ae as 
well as St. Louis, Mo. and California. 

*  *  o& 

DAVID E. McDANIEL COMPANY, INC. together with 
its subsidiary, Eastern Automatic Fire Protection Com- 
pany of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provides complete en- 
gineering, fabrication and installation of automatic fire 
protection systems. Organized by the late David E. Mc- 
Daniel in 1930, the company operates principally in the 
states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, and 
Florida. 

The Valparaiso headquarters and plant at 1055 West 
Joliet Road employs 60 people, and total employment 
throughout the McDaniel organization is approximately 
225. Corporate officers include Wayne M. McDaniel, 
Chairman of the Board, Jerry L. McDaniel, President and 
Gertrude Keeley, Secretary. 


67 


68 


A Valparaiso firm which from its beginning in 1943 
has been identified with the plastics industry is THOR- 
GREN TOOL AND MOLDING COMPANY, INC. Started by 
toolmaker, Charles Thorgren during World War Il, the 
business has remained a family managed enterprise. The 
small quarters which originally housed the business soon 
were outgrown, necessitating construction of the present 
plant at 1100 Evans Avenue. 

In addition to production molding of a variety of plas- 
tic component parts for industry, the shop is qualified 
with the machinery and human skills to produce the spe- 
cialized precision tooling required for the injection mold- 
ing process. 

President, Robert G. Thorgren is assisted in the day- 
to-day operation of the company by his wife Elinor, who 
is vice president-secretary, and son Robert Jr., treasurer 
employs 25 people. 

Products of Thorgren Tool and Molding are shipped to 
all parts of the United States as well as a number of for- 
eign countries. 

WEGENER STEEL AND FABRICATING was started in 
1946 at its present location at 906 Evans Avenue. This 
unique business provides the Valparaiso-Porter County 
area with a variety of services which are usually avail- 
able only to larger cities. A full range of popular sizes 
of structural steel plates and shapes are carried in stock 
for immediate delivery. 

A force of 11 full-time employees is available for weld- 
ing, bending, rolling, shearing and custom fabricating op- 
erations to the user’s specifications. Crane rental service 
is also available for installation of trusses, structurel steel 
and other specialized needs of the construction trades. 
Warren P. Wegener, owner of the company, indicated that 
expansion is a continuing process with his firm and takes 
place whenever growth demands occur. 

PHILLEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC., located 
at 5 North Lafayette Street, was started in the depression 
year of 1934 by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Philley. The steadily 
declining demand for household aprons, originally the 
company’s primary product, made it necessary to expand 
into manufacturing of ladies uniforms, dresses, smocks 
and toppers. 

Philley products are marketed nationally through sell- 
ing representatives serving six distribution areas. Em- 
ployees presently number 26, but peak employment dur- 
ing one period was 76 persons. Officers of the firm are 
Charles Beach, President, and his wife Edna, Secretary- 
Treasurer, together with the Founder and Vice-President, 
Mrs. Mildred Philley. 

a 3 a 

Since its founding in 1949, SHEPCO PRODUCTS, INC. 
has produced a diversified line of precision molded plas- 
tic items and specialized tooling for manufacturing plas- 
tic parts. These products and services reack customers 
in the U.S. and Canada. 

Weights of the various molded items range from two 
tenths of one gram for the smallest, to a maximum of 
eight ounces. Control knobs, protective enclosures for 


threaded parts and test plugs for automotive engine cy- 
linders are just a few of the more familiar applications 
of high volume plastics molding. 

Fred Shepard, president of Shepco, also described the 
importance of correct coloring in the special Dupont 
Tyrel material used in the molding of denture bases, now 
a growing part of this firm’s manufacturing volume. Ten 
persons are employed at the 1808 Calumet Avenue plant 
location according to Charlotte Shepard, Secretary-Trea- 
surer. The maximum number of employes has reached 
18 at various times. 


ATHLETIC LETTERING COMPANY, INC., 1454 Lincoln- 
way, formerly located in Gary, moved to Valparaiso in 
1970. 

President Doris North reports that employment at the 
local industry is holding steady at 20 people, but expan- 
sion is not presently planned. 

The products and services of Athletic Lettering Com- 
pany enjoy national distribution and reach all segments 
of the sporting goods and athletic outfitting industries. 
Die-cut letters of felt and tackle twill are manufactured 
for shipment to companies which in turn sew them onto 
garments. Award lettering, embroidered and silk screened 
emblems, and embroidered bowling shirts are also in- 
cluded among the items manufactured by Athletic Let- 
tering Company, Inc. 

nS 1 38 

WEMBLEY INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED established 
its Valparaiso distribution center at 1001 Sturdy Road 
in 1971. The Valparaiso location was chosen because of 
its advantages as a central shipping point for the 13 state 
midwest market. Products manufactured in the Wembley 
plant at New Orleans, La., are shipped by truck to Val- 
paraiso and other warehouses located to serve geograp- 
ical marketing areas in the United States. Since its open- 
ing, employment at the local industry has remained 
steady, presently numbering 13 people. Seasonal demand 
for the Webley line of men’s neckwear is at an unprece- 
dented high with little evidence of slowing down accord- 
ing to Vice President, Mike Kopfler. 

Partners John Kauffman and Orville Birky of PENNSY 
ELEVATOR may hold the distinction of managing the old- 
est continuously operating business in Valparaiso. 

Originally started in 1863, ownership and management 
have changed a number of times through the years. The 
business, however, remains essentially a farm service 
enterprise. Pennsy Elevator at 352 Washington Street 
offers custom feed grinding as well as a comprehensive 
line of farm supplies including fertilizers, fencing, grain, 
feeds and supplements, plus dozens of other necessities. 


Py xe % 


Valpo Velvet is a name which local residents have 
recognized as synonymous with quality ice cream for 50 
years. 

In 1947, the dairy and ice cream plant at 57 West 
Monroe Street was purchased by Herbert J. Brown and 
business was carried on with few changes until the pro- 
cessing of fresh milk was discontinued. Operating now 
as BROWN’S ICE CREAM COMPANY, manufacturing em- 


phasis is confined to ice cream and sherbet products 
which continue to carry the familiar Valpo Velvet name. 
These products are distributed locally and within a 35 
mile area surrounding Valparaiso. 

Under the direction of President, Gordon Brown, ex- 
tensive modernization of the Monroe Street location was 
completed in 1974. A large ultra-modern ice cream parlor 
and restaurant, together with ample off-street parking 
area, was included as a part of the program providing 
hungry citizens the opportunity to expand their enjoy- 
ment-of Valpo Velvet. 


A major supplier of ready-mixed concrete to the rapid- 
ly growing Porter-LaPorte County area is SMITH-NUPP- 
NAU READY-MIX, INC., 360 West Indiana Avenue. A re- 
spected name in the Valparaiso business community for 
more than 50 years, the firm now includes LaPorte 
Ready-Mix Division, and City Ready-Mix Division at Mich- 
igan City. 

Incorporated Jan. 28, 1921, the present officers of 
the corporation are Arthur P. Smith, President, William 
D. Nuppnau, Vice-President and Treasurer, and Byron 
Smith Ill, Secretary. 

Employment at the Valparaiso division is 16 persons, 
down slightly from the peak figure of 20. Deliveries can 
be made to any point in Porter County from the centrally 
located Valparaiso plant by means of fast, heavy duty, 
radio dispatched transporters. 


J. R. KENT, INC., 902 Evans Avenue, has been in 
business since 1954 providing heating, cooling and ven- 
tilation for industrial and commercial needs. Plate fab- 
rication as well as engineering, erection and installation 
services are performed by the Kent organization, serving 
plants in the three state area of Indiana, Illinois and 
Michigan. 

Officers of the locally owned corporation are James R. 
Kent, president, and Norma Kent, secretary. The num- 
ber of employes is presently 35, but a maximum during 
peak production periods has reached 110 persons. 


Larry A. Klemz, President of THE HERALD PRESS, 
INC. OF VALPARAISO can trace the history of his com- 
pany back thru several predecessors including such 
names as V-M Print Mart, Valpo Reminder and the ori- 
ginal printing firm of Wade and Wise. 

Incorporated in 1970 under its present name, other 
officers of The Herald Press, Inc. are vice president Jeri- 
lyn K. Klemz and secretary-treasurer, Althea C. Klemz. 

Working primarily within the Valparaiso trade area, 
the firm with 6 full-time employes provides commercial 
printing services with emphasis on the specialized needs 
of industry and organizations. The Center Street location 
adjoining Valparaiso Technical Institute has been the 
home of The Herald Press for the past several years. 

% # e 


A number of publishing and printing establishments 
are located in Valparaiso. One of these is HOME MOUN- 
TAIN PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., started in 1952 and 
located at 502 College Place. Eight full time employes 
utilizing the most up-to-date equipment and techniques 


produce a complete line of commercial printing services. 

H. F. Keller, President, stated that Home Mountain 
serves accounts within a 100 mile radius of Vaiparaiso, 
and is contemplating expansion to meet the continuing 
needs of a growing market. 


Another firm, LORENZO D. SMITH PRINTER, for Par- 
ticular People, has been a familiar part of the Valpa- 
raiso business community for more than 60 years. A 
variety of commercial printing is offered by the proprie- 
tors, Robert E. Randall and son David. 

It is interesting to note that this company was started 
in 1914 by Lorenzo D. Smith using a spare room in the 
residence at 605 Indiana Avenue. The business later 
expanded into larger quarters constructed at the rear 
of the same address where it is still located. Smith, and 
later his son Arnold, operated the enterprise until Dec. 
31, 1973 when ownership passed to the Randalls. 


PASS FROM SCENE 


The 40-year period between the Porter County Cen- 
tennial of 1936 and the national bi-centennial has seen 
a number of industries pass from the Valparaiso scene. 


CONTINENTAL DIAMOND FIBRE CO. 


Continental Diamond Fibre Company discontinued op- 
eration May 31, 1961 after more than 30 years. From 
1900, the South Campbell Street site was familiarly known 
to local residents as the ‘‘mica factory’, and at its peak 
there were nearly 600 people employed there. The origi- 
nal building housed the Valparaiso Woolen Mills from 
1880 to 1900. In 1900, the property was acquired by 
the Chicago Mica Company and in 1930 by Continental 
Diamond Fibre Company. The company manufactured 
mica products used by the electrical industry, and lam- 
inated phenolic materials. 

Decision to close the Valparaiso plant was influenced 
by the pressure of increased competition from other 
forms of insulating materials. Transfer of production to 
the main plant at Newark, Delaware was carried out over 
a period of several months prior to the closing in 1961. 


PARKER PAINT MANUFACTURING CO 


From 1882 until its closing in April 1969, Parker Paint 
Manufacturing Co. was a part of the Valparaiso industrial 
family. Founded in Chicago in 1871 as Parker, Ogden, 
and Heath, the company moved to Valparaiso in 1882 
and was located in a building behind the Chicago Mica 
Company. After being destroyed by fire, the business 
moved in 1896 to 708 N. Locust Street, remaining there 
until its closing. 

A combination of factors was responsible for owner 
Frank B. Fabing’s decision to discontinue operations. 
Rapid changes in paint-making technology and materials 
caused the Parker facilities to become obsolete and cost- 
ly to operate. Rising costs of labor and raw materials 
added further to the burdens of manufacturing. 

After the death of his son Harold, Fabing continued as 


69 


70 


owner-operator-superintendent until the pressure of long 
hours forced his decision to sell the property to Indiana 
General Corporation. Frank B. Fabing joined Parker 
Paint Company in 1935 as office manager and in July 
1950, together with his son, purchased the business. 
Name of the firm was changed in 1960 to Parker Paint 
Manufacturing Company. 


IMPACT EXTRUSIONS, INC. 


Closing of Impact Extrusions, Inc. after 14 years of 
successful operation was largely necessitated by the 
looming financial burden which would have resulted from 
compliance with regulations imposed by the Occupation- 
al Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). 

Major expansion of the plant at 2102 N. Calumet was 
completed in 1970 to accommodate new, larger presses, 
and increase productive capabilities up to 75 percent. 
Acquisition of the firm by Modern Drop Forge Co. of 
Blue Island, Illinois, was also finalized in that same year 
to further improve the services of both companies. 

Steel and aluminum extrusions produced by this lo- 
cal industry were widely used in the manufacture of home 
appliances, farm machinery, television, automotive and 
military equipment. Employment for 35 people was pro- 
vided at the time operations were discontinued. 

The president of Impact Extrusions at the time of clos- 
ing in mid-1973 was A. W. Pommerville who still resides 
in Valparaiso. 


NATIONAL BRUSH AND BROOM COMPANY 


National Brush and Broom Company began business 
in Valparaiso about 1921, continuing in operation until 
1952. Located in quarters at the rear of 10 N. Wash- 
ington Street, the firm engaged in sales and distribution 
of brooms, brushes, mops and a wide range of home 
and industrial cleaning supplies. 

At one period there were 30 employes selling Nation- 
al Brush products on a nation-wide basis. Introduction 
of the compact, convenient cellulose sponge mops in the 
late 1940s resulted in a substantial increase in business 
which continued until the death of the firm’s owner, 
M. R. Williamson, in 1952. 


NIXON FOUNDRY 


Located for many years on South Cottage Grove Ave- 
nue in Chicago, the Nixon Foundry moved to Valparaiso 
in 1943. 

Specializing in aluminum and brass castings, the firm 
produced ornamental lighting posts, automobile radiator 
grilles and a variety. of similar items. Employment at the 
Valparaiso foundry averaged 10 to 12 people, reaching 
a peak of 24 when large orders were received from the 
automobile industry. 

In 1966 the Nixon Foundry moved from the location 
on State Road 49 at Vale Park Road to Monticello, In- 
diana. When asked about his plans, owner Roy Nixon, 
now 84 years old, stated that he had decided to close 
the business and hoped to return to Valparaiso soon. 


LANTZ MANUFACTURING COMPANY 


Until the time of closing in 1961, the Lantz Manufac- 
turing Co. developed and marketed a variety of innova- 
tive tools for the farming industry. 


The original Lantz Grapple Hay Fork was invented, and 
produced for several years at the Lantz farm near Por- 
ter Cross Roads. By the early 1940s, the need for in- 
creased manufacturing space was responsible for the 
decision to relocate in Valparaiso. A building at 902 Cal- 
umet Avenue, built originally by the Van Doehren Fur- 
nace Company and later occupied by Ruggles Pontiac 
Sales, was selected to house the growing industry. 

Peak employment following World War II reached 35 
persons, and the product line expanded to include the 
KUTTER-KOLTER, Ripple Kolter blades and cultivation 
sweeps. A machine for grinding sickle-bar mower blades 
was manufactured as well as a few non-agricultural items. 
These included a type of brick-like facing for the build- 
ing trade and an elevating device which made it possible 
for one man to install bulky items such as flourescent 
lighting fixtures and large wall or ceiling panels. 

President of the company was Brice H. Lantz, and in- 
formation in this article was provided by Walter Rayder 
who served as development engineer from 1945 until 
operations stopped in 1961. 


ABLE FAMILY 


Submitted by: Olga R. Able (Mrs. E.W.) 

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indi- 
ana, graduating from Arsenal Technical 
High School, Class of 1918. Employed 
in Indiana Historical Society and Indi- 
ana State Library, Indiana Division. 
Married Edward William Able, June 16, 
1928 and moved to Chicago when Mr. 
Able was employed in the Accounting 
Department of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road until his death in 1951. In Sep- 
tember 1929 moved to Valparaiso for a 
better place to raise our family, Charles 
Edward Able and Warren Frederick 
Able. Became members of First Pres- 
byterian Church, Valparaiso in 1930 
where both taught Sunday School for 
many years and Mr. Able was an Elder. 
Both boys attended all activities of the 
Youth Fellowship and participated in 
church summer camps, also Boy 
Scouts. Charles graduated from Val- 
paraiso High School in 1948 and from 
James Millikin University in 1956, after 
serving four years in the U. S. Air Force. 
He is married to the former Lynda Maier 
of Aurora, Ill., and they are presently 
living in St. Paul, Minn. where he is 
Assistant to the Vice President of Oper- 
ations, Burlington Northern Railroad. 
Warren graduated from Valparaiso High 
School in 1949 and from Purdue Uni- 
versity in 1953 with a Commission in 
the U. S. Air Force, serving two years 
on active duty. He is married to the 
former Patricia Madden of Beaverton, 
Ore. and they are presently living in 
Enfield, Conn. where he is a Project 
Engineer for Pratt-Whitney Aircraft. 
They have two sons, Edward Christo- 
pher, entering the University of Conn. 
this year, and John Frederick who will 
be a senior in high school. Olga was 
employed as Church Secretary, First 
Presbyterian Church from 1951 to 
1961. Since that time until the present 
she is employed as office secretary at 
National Construction Corp. She is a 
member of Porter Memorial Hospital 
Guild, working as Play Lady since 1965. 
We never regretted our move to Valpar- 


FAMILY HISTORIES 


aiso, and | still think it is a wonderful 
place to call ‘“‘home”’. 


ADAMS FAMILY 


Submitted by Mrs. Florence Adams 
Geiger 

In 1832 the government purchased 
from the Indians all the land in Porter 
County lying south of Lake Michigan. 
When this news was heralded through 
the eastern states, pioneer hearts were 
stirred, and many families started on 
the long, hazardous journey westward. 
Porter County with its rich prairies and 
timber lands attracted many of these 
early pioneers. 

Henry S. Adams of Jefferson County, 
Ohio, his wife (Jane Fleming), three 
little daughters, and his mother arrived 
in Porter County April 27, 1833. In 
May he laid claim to 160 acres of land 
at $1.25 per acre and erected the first 
log cabin in Morgan Township. He 
broke twelve acres of the virgin land 
and raised corn and wheat in order to 
have food for his family. Deer and wild 
game were plentiful for meat. There 
were no roads, but their cabin was near 
an Indian trail that lead from Lake 
Michigan to the Kankakee River (now 
State Road 49). Indians roamed the 
prairie and often came to their cabin 
asking for bread. An old settler was 
heard to say, ‘‘There was nothing here 
but Indians, wolves and snakes.” A lit- 
tle stone inscribed, ‘‘Infant Adams, 
1833"’ marks the grave of a baby girl 
that the family thought to be on the 
corner of their claim, but when the land 
was surveyed, the grave was where the 
four sections met; you will find the bro- 
ken corner there yet to prove this is 
true. It is known as the Adams ceme- 
tery, and there five generations of the 
family sleep. 

In 1840 the first Christian church in 
Porter County was organized in the 
Adams’ home; services were held in 
homes and the school house. In 1869 
Henry Adams donated an acre of land 
on the northeast corner of their claim 
(State Road 49 and 250 W.), and a 


building costing $2,000 was built. 
Lewis Comer was its first pastor. Ser- 
vices were held there for many years, 
but now the hundred and five-year-old 
church stands as a silent witness and a 
memorial to those early pioneers. It is 
known as the Adams Christian Church, 
and once a year a reunion is held for 
old members and friends. Again the old 
bell rings and a church service is held. 

All public meetings were held in the 
homes, and the Adams’ home was al- 
ways open. Henry Adams served on the 
first jury in Porter County, helped raise 
funds to build the first courthouse, and 
was active in all civic affairs. 

History says they were all honest and 
industrious people, and did much in 
helping organize Porter County. 

Henry and Jane Adams had a large 
family, ten girls and two boys. The old- 
est, Edward Adams, was born July 19, 
1839 (my grandfather) and married 
Matilda French, daughter of Ora French, 
in 1862. To this union was born three 
children: Robert, Lilly and May. Robert 
married Sarah E. Dick in 1888. Three 
children were born to this union: Floyd, 
Florence, and Leland. Floyd married 
Lulu Shelburne of Fairbury, Nebraska. 
Leland married Mabel Sholes of Valpar- 
aiso. | (Florence) married Henry J. 
Geiger of Hammond in 1924. | was 
born in Morgan Township in the house 
where my father was born and attended 
a little country school, walking three- 
quarters of a mile to school over dirt 
roads. | went to church in the old Adams 
Church and also Kouts Christian. 

In Hammond | attend the Southside 
Christian Church and participate in 
many of the civic organizations of the 
city: Y.W.C.A., Y.M.C.A., Historical So- 
ciety, and Senior Citizen groups. | 
have two step-children, Herbert Geiger 
of Hammond and Dolores Seaton of 
Porter County. Many descendants of 
the Henry Adams family still reside in 
Porter County. 

Information for this story was gleaned 
from Family Records, 1882 History of 
Porter County, and stories handed down 
by our forefathers. 


71 


72 


ELSIE MAE HERREN (MRS. 
WALTER) AILES 


| was born in 1898 in a wood frame 
house just west of Smoke Road on the 
Malden-Boone Grove Road, just about a 
mile from where | live now. The first 
school | attended was at Cole’s Corner, 
where Highways 6 and 49 cross. We 
had moved to a house about a mile 
from there and | walked to school and 
back, about a mile each way. | was 6 
years old. | did that for the 4 years we 
lived there. By then | had 6 brothers 
and 6 sisters. Then we moved to the 
house where Berwin Jones lives, a cou- 
ple miles west of the place where | was 
born. Then | went to the Malone School 
north of Ralph Graeber’s place. Then 
we moved to the Anderson place and | 
went to Mariam School. | still walked 
to school—across the fields in good 
weather and along the road in winter. 
| graduated from the 8th grade. | 
started as a Freshman at Boone Grove 
High School, but had to drop out at 
Christmas to take care of my sick 
mother. Through grades 1 to 8, | was 
always in one room schools with 20 to 
25 pupils. Back then you could learn 
a lot if you just paid attention. 

When | was 17, | married Walter 
Ailes. He was 24 and already had a 
farm. We lived in his house on the cor- 
ner near where | was born. He, his 
brother Bill and his brother Lawrence 
all farmed together. They dug ditches 
and laid lines of tile to make a farm out 
of the marsh. What we call Smoke Road 
now was just a dirt road along the ditch 
bank to Valpo. | remember one time 
riding in the wagon to town (when | 


was about 13) when the water was up 
to the wagon box, almost to the horses’ 
bellies. 

We built a house on the corner in 
1922. George, Arthur, and Harold were 
born there. Then we built and moved 
to a little house here, so we could be on 
better grass for the stock. Mr. Legg 
sold us the farm for $300 per year. We 
cashed in our insurance policy and 
made the first payment. Robert was 
born there. 

The house | live in now was built in 
1946-47. Walt drew his own plans. He 
said, ‘‘Mom, what does this look like to 
you? Is it all right?’ | said, ‘“You know 
more about those things than | do. Just 
build me a big kitchen.’’ You know, he 
did, too. My kitchen is still one of the 
biggest I’ve ever seen. There was only 
one night we didn’t spend together since 
we were married until he had a stroke 
and passed away. That was when he 
had to go to Wisconsin to close the 
deal for buying this farm. 

Before the milk truck started to pick 
up milk, we had to haul our own to the 
RR crossing east of Boone Grove to sell 
it. We went to Boone Grove Christian 
Church. We had our wedding reception 
in the old hall. We really didn’t date 
very long. We went with a bunch of kids 
ot the Kouts carnival and rode the mer- 
ry-go-round, went to church together, 
and had box socials. 

Our first car was an Overland with a 
gasoline engine. We drove it to Colum- 
bus, Ohio, to a family reunion. There 
were two couples and 5 children and 
all our lunches and clothes in that 
cracker-box car! Each way took a whole 
day and part of the night. In 1948 we 
bought our first Cadillac. From then on 
we never had any other kind. We drove 
to California and back. 

We got our first telephone in the 
1920’s, | think. We got it after the 
night Walt was riding the pony home on 
the icy road. It slipped and fell on him, 
then dragged him home by his foot 
caught in the harness. It was late and 
Bill was about to go looking for him 
when we heard “Help! Help!’’ at the 
gate. We had to cut his boot off. Dr. 
Sam Dittmer and his wife, pregnant with 
Dr. Tom at the time, had a flat tire on 
their way out, so he drove on the rim 
to get here. He worked and worked to 
get the end of the bone back in his leg, 
then he bound it real tight. Walt 
walked on crutches and scooted a chair 


around in front of him until it healed. 
If it hadn’t been for old Doc Dittmer, 
there were lots of folks who wouldn't 
have made it. But we did—through 
smallpox and measles and even the 
mumps. | have seen a lot of things 
change, and most of it has been for the 
better. 


WALTER AILES 


(as told by Harold Ailes) 

None of us Knows for sure just where 
the Ailes family started—that was 
something that Walter Ailes, my dad 
seldom talked about. He seldom told 
us about anything that happened or 
that he remembered before he started 
farming in the south part of Porter 
County. | think that he must have con- 
sidered those things the important part 
of his life. They go back to when he 
was seventeen years old, 1908. 

That was the year he made a decis- 
ion that started him toward becoming 
one of the most successful farmers in 
the area. Back then a man was a man 
by the time he was seventeen or eigh- 
teen, ready to start on his life's work. 

There were 90 acres of marsh land 
in the extreme southwest part of Mor- 
gan Township that were offered for sale 
to him. The asking price was $2.00 
per acre. But he did not have the cash 
and chose not to borrow it. Instead 
he accepted an offer to clear and drain 
it. He made a partnership with his 
brother Bill to split their three-fifths 
share for those years. 


They used their team of horses and 
planned to live in a tent on the high 
ground in the marsh while they farmed 
the high ground and tiled the low 
ground to drain it to the ditch. But 
that idea was abandoned after they 
found a rattlesnake under a bedroll one 
morning. From then on, they made the 
hour-long trip each morning and night 
on the draft horses. They spent their 
nights in a house near Five Points. 

The seasons and the weather de- 
termined each day’s work. Tilling and 
farming the high ground was their first 
priority, because that’s how they made 
their income. The rest of the time, they 
were digging trenches and laying tile 
to the ditch. They dug them as the 
water flowed; that is, they tested to 
see if the trenches were deep enough 
by observing the water trickling in the 
bottom. They dug by hand with shovels 
and spades. They often left their 
trenches open over night to get rid of 
some of the snakes. During the night 
they would fall in with the tiles. As the 
tiles were covered and the trenches 
filled in, they would be smothered and 
thereby disposed of. They often filled in 
the trenches by using their team and 
a scoop bucket pulled behind, working 
the horses on one side of the trench 
and the men on the other. You had to 
have a good team to do this. 

When Walter married Elsie M. Her- 
ren, they set up housekeeping on that 
land. 


By 1915 or 1916 he was farming 
200 acres there. Then after the Jones 
Ditch went through, the land could 
drain east or west, and it became all 
tillable. The four sons he sired were all 
born while they lived in a house on 
what is now the corner of Smoke Road 
and Road 450 South. Those four boys 
provided the necessary work force to 
expand and improve the farming opera- 
tion. There was always more than 
enough work to do. 

We got our first rubber tired tractor 
in 1938. It was an Oliver Hart-Parr 70. 
It was rated a 2-14”’ plow tractor. But 
we still did the planting with a two row 
horse-drawn corn planter. We _ used 
horses and tractors well into the 1940s. 

We dairied by hand, and milked for 
morning and evening chores for years. 

From 1928 through 1942, Walter ran 
a threshing machine. The ring he 
served went all up and down the roads 
from where he lived. In the early 


1940's several farmers started buying 
their own little combines. There are 
still a few around, mostly parked back 
in old wood lots—they were the ones 
made by Allis-Chalmers with side open- 
ing for refuse. Finally they even were 
used for oat harvest, and threshing 
was finished in this part of the country. 

Since then the machines have just 
kept getting bigger and better. In fact, 
the last day Dad worked was driving 
his big red Massey-Ferguson combine. 
He was walking south along that same 
ditchbank that he and his brother dug 
through with hand shovels more than 
a half century earlier, on his way to 
his house, when he suffered a stroke. 
He was hospitalized and apparently re- 
covering when his time ran out. He 
died August 9, 1961, as successful in 
his seventy years as he could ever have 
hoped to be when he started working 
dawn to dusk to turn marshland into a 
productive farm. His mark on Porter 
County is part of its soil, still produc- 
tive, south of Valparaiso, east of Smoke 
Road. 


HAROLD AND ANNABEL 
(FOSTER) AILES 


Both Harold Melvin ‘‘Pop”’ and An- 
nabel Ailes are life-long residents of 
Porter County. Harold has lived in 
Morgan Township since his grade 
school years, Annabel since her birth in 
the farm house west of the Adams Cem- 
etery. Harold was born a few hundred 
feet across the road from Morgan Twp. 
in a farm house near the corner of 450 
S. and Smoke Road. Both were deliv- 
ered by doctors who rushed to their aid: 
Dr. George Douglas, Sr. and Dr. Sam 
Dittmer, respectively, on Sept. 30, 
1921, and Feb. 13, 1920. 


Among their recollections of growing 
up in this county are walking more than 
a mile to meet the mule-drawn school 
bus driven by Ed Cain. He later re- 
placed it with a motorized bus built on 
the chassis of a Ford A truck. That 
change cut about 40 minutes off the 
ride to Morgan School each way. That 
was in 1931. The social life they recall 
was simple. They had school! activities, 
like ball games and musicals, and com- 
munity activities—square dances, go- 
ing to an occasional movie, church 
meetings, and Sunday afternoon rides. 
Most of their time was spent in work. 
Farming was done mainly with horses, 
although Harold’s dad, Walter Ailes, 
had a steel wheeled tractor in the early 
1920's. Both their parents milked cows 
and fed other livestock in addition to 
their grain farming. Of course, milking 
was done by hand. Walter Ailes owned 
the threshing machine for his “‘ring’’. 
As many as 14 families worked together 
up and down the roads from the owner 
of the threshing machine. Each family 
did its own shocking by hand and with 
the old binders. When the wheat and 
oats had been shocked, usually near the 
end of July, the threshing would begin; 
the gang threshed all the wheat pro- 
gressing along the road in one direc- 
tion, then did the oats on the way back. 
That way the farmer whose wheat was 
done first would have his oats done 
last. All worked together to provide la- 
bor and the women cooperated to pro- 
vide adequate meals for the 10 to 30 
men and themselves. Although some 
bought combines to harvest wheat in 
the early '40’s, threshing gangs worked 
until about 1950. 

Pop and Ann graduated from Mor- 
gan Twp. School in 1938 and 1939, 
respectively. He was a member of the 
Cherokee’s County Tourney Champion- 
ship team in 1937. They were married 
on Valentine’s Day, 1941, at the home 
of her parents, Ernest and Mabel Fos- 
ter. They set up housekeeping and 
started their family with his parents, 
Walter and Elsie Ailes. In 1951 they 
moved their growing family to the farm 
they now live on. It was the old Col- 
lison Farm, extending north and east 
from the corner of 600 S. and Smoke 
Road, the corner where Morgan, Pleas- 
ant, Boone, and Porter Townships meet. 
By then they had their family complete 
—Carol Jane born April 23, 1942; Der- 
ald Wayne, July 25, 1945; Lonnie Ray, 


73 


74 


Nov. 16, 1946; and Joyce Ann, Dec. 
12, 1948. 

He still kept and worked a team of 
horses, Silver and Jerry, until 1954, 
when he sold them to a logging com- 
pany in Wisconsin. All the children 
were attending Morgan School. They 
are proud that they all graduated from 
Morgan, making them one of only a few 
families to have two complete genera- 
tions to do so. 

By December of 1956, the new house 
they were building, just a few feet from 
the west side of the original house, was 
nearly completed. The day before 
Christmas, during breakfast, our neigh- 
bor across the road, Art Luthi, Jr., came 
running in the door saying that we 
should get out of the house right away 
because it was on fire. The whole fam- 
ily thought he was playing a joke and 
invited him to sit down and have some- 
thing to eat. He persisted in his warn- 
ing and finally persuaded us to go out- 
side, where we saw the smoke curling 
up from the wooden shingles. His 
mother Em had already called the Kouts 
Fire Department, so we went right up- 
stairs and started carrying things out- 
side. Shortly, the flames burned 
through the upstairs ceiling and we 
confined our salvaging to the lower 
floor. In the rush, the Christmas tree 
and presents were carried out to the 
front lawn. Annabel and Carol carried 
the piano out. (It later took four men 
to carry it back in.) The volunteer fire- 
men arrived soon and extinguished the 
fire before it did any damage down- 
stairs, but the water they pumped from 
the ditch to use in fighting the fire 
made the whole house less than livable. 
After a Christmas season back at Wal- 
ter Ailes’ house, we moved into the new 
house, spending much time in the base- 
ment, since it was finished first. 

The family vehicle was a 1946 Chevy 
2 Ton truck until 1951, when a 1951 
green Chevy two-door sedan graced the 
driveway. Since then a succession of 
various makes and models have served 
until now. Like his father, Harold pre- 
fers his Cadillac. 

Besides farming, Pop and his sons 
operated a livestock truck to the Chi- 
cago Stockyards from 1958 through the 
mid-60’s. Then his back operation, 
Derald’s attending Harding College, 
and Lonnie’s being drafted to serve in 
Vitenam forced a farm equipment and 
livestock sale in 1967. Through the 4-H 


programs and FFA, the boys had a re- 
spectable Angus herd. The livestock 
truck sold that day, too. 

Having clerked for the Valpo Commu- 
nity Sale under Les Martin and Ralph 
Herren since the early ’60’s, he con- 
tinued there and took a position as 
teller under Wayne Stoner at First Na- 
tional Bank. Sale clerking lasted until 
1975, but his place at the bank enabled 
him to become currently a Vice-Presi- 
dent of the bank. 

Harold is a charter member of the 
Kouts Lions Club and was president for 
1966-67. Since 1968, he has been in 
the Valparaiso Lions, and served there 
as president for 1970-71. Annabel is 
active in the Home Extension Club and 
Lady Lions. Both are members of the 
Church of Christ. 

Even though they have had oppor- 
tunity to travel around the country, 
neither of them has ever found a place 
they would have rather grown up or 
reared a family than right here. 


ALPEN FAMILY 


Submitted by: Mary E. Henrichs 

Mrs. W. A. McCallum (Katherine Al- 
pen) and her daughter, Mrs. Karl D. 
Henrichs (Mary McCallum) are the 
third and fourth generations of the Hans 
Alpen family to live in Valparaiso. 

Hans Alpen was born in Germany in 
1836 and came to Valparaiso in 1867. 
A dairy farmer for the last 20 years of 
his life, he had previously been a plas- 
terer. When Alpen died Sept. 28, 1912, 
at his home near Harrison Boulevard 
and Indiana 49, he was described in his 
obituaries as ‘‘a prominent farmer’ and 
“a cheerful, upright Christian citizen.’’ 

Alpen was survived by his wife, Mar- 
garet, and by three children who had 
been born in Valparaiso—F. W. Alpen, 
Anna Alpen White, and Amanda Alpen 
Bruhn. 

Margaret Plath Alpen was born in 
Germany in 1850 and was brought to 
the United States by her parents when 
she was a young child. Coming to Val- 
paraiso in 1869, she was married to 
Hans Alpen the following year. At the 
time of her death, March 18, 1924, 
Margaret Alpen was commended for her 
life-long service to the Lutheran Church 
and she was described in local newspa- 
pers as ‘‘an exemplary citizen’’ and ‘‘a 
devoted mother’. 

Frederick William (Billy) Alpen, born 


Aug. 26, 1874, was serving his third 
term as Porter County Commissioner at 
the time of his mother’s death. Having 
spent the first ten years of his adult 
life as a barber, F. W. Alpen later went 
into farming and dairying in what is 
now the Franklin and Harrison Streets 
area of Valparaiso. He is credited with 
having introduced Ayreshire dairy cattle 
to this area. 

In 1919, Alpen began subdividing his 
55-acre farm into a residential area 
known as Alpen Subdivision. When 
Citizens’ Savings and Trust Company 
was formed in 1920, he was elected 
vice-president and two years later was 
president. When that institution merged 
with the Valparaiso National Bank, he 
became a director in the new bank. 

In 1928 President Herbert Hoover 
appointed Alpen postmaster of Valpar- 
aiso, a job he held for four years. He 
was a leader in Valparaiso and Porter 
County Republican circles and served 
as chairman of the city committee in 
several campaigns. 

In 1936, he was treasurer of the Por- 
ter County Centennial Committee. 

Alpen was a two-term member of the 
Valparaiso Plan Commission and was 
one of three Indiana men appointed by 
Gov. Harry G. Leslie to compose the 
Indiana Commission for the Chicago 
World’s Fair in 1933. 

Alpen was a member of the Masonic 
Lodge and of the First Presbyterian 
Church which he served for ten years 
as trustee. 


In 1904, Alpen married Ida Claussen 
who died in 1910. They were the par- 
ents of Katherine Margaret Alpen Mc- 
Callum who was born May 17, 1906. In 
1911, he married Clara Claussen who 
was active for many years in Eastern 
Star and in the First Presbyterian and 
the Washington Township Churches. 
She died Feb. 15, 1959, surviving for 
nearly 15 years her husband who died 
Sept. 7, 1944. 

Anna Alpen White worked for many 
years in Lowenstines Department Store. 
She and her children, Wilbert White 
and Geneva Leigh Inwood, are all de- 
ceased. 

Amanda Alpen  Bruhn’s_ husband, 
John, was a telegraph operator for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad. They and their 
son, J. Vernon (Punch) Bruhn, are 
deceased. 

On Nov. 11, 1931, Katherine Alpen 


married Woodburn A. McCallum, a local 
attorney who served from 1933 to 1964 
as Porter and LaPorte County repre- 
sentative of the Federal Land Bank of 
Louisville. 


Woodburn died April 6, 1968, but his 
wife still lives in the house they built 
on land which was part of her father’s 
farm. 

Katherine is a 50-year member of 
Eastern Star; she has held several of- 
fices In women’s organizations of the 
First Presbyterian Church; and she is 
a member of the Porter Memorial Hos- 


pital Guild. 
The McCallums are the parents of 
two daughters — Mrs. Henrichs and 


Mrs. Gene R. Duffin (Margaret McCal- 
lum) of Goshen, Ind., and the grandpar- 
ents of Ryan G. Duffin, Goshen. 


Mary and Margaret were educated in 
Valparaiso public schools; Mary is a 
graduate of DePauw University and of 
Valparaiso University; Margaret is a 
graduate of Indiana University. 


Mary is a former president of the 
Valparaiso branch of the American As- 
sociation of University Women and she 
is a part-time feature writer for The 
Vidette-Messenger of which her hus- 
band is city editor. 


Margaret is president of Delta Theta 
Tau sorority in Goshen and her hus- 
band is an attorney. 


RICHARD J. ANDERSON 
FAMILY 


Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. 
Richard J. Anderson 


Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Anderson 
live with their family on a farm in Mor- 
gan Township that was part of the orig- 
inal town of Tassanong. It has been in 
the family since 1836 when his fore- 
fathers came here with the westward 
migration following the Revolutionary 
War, coming originally from Scotland. 

The seven Anderson children are the 
seventh generation of descendants to 
live on the family homestead. 

Mr. Anderson has served the com- 
munity in many capacities first as Trus- 
tee of Morgan Township then as a mem- 
ber of the Porter County Council and 
presently as a member of the Board of 


Commissioners, representing the south 
district. 


The family has long been active in 
the activities of the Morgan Township 
School from which Mr. and Mrs. An- 
derson and their seven children gradu- 
ated. 


The Andersons are active in social 
and civic organizations both local and 
countywide. 


Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and _ their 
family are members of the Kouts Pres- 
byterian Church, where both have 
served as ruling Elders. 


ANDERSON, ROBERT D. & 
PAULINE J. 


Submitted by Robert D. Anderson 


| was born in Randolph County, Indi- 
ana and my wife Pauline (Polly) Schaef- 
fer in Fremont, Indiana. We met in Fort 
Wayne, Indiana, where we were married 
in 1936. During the next few years we 
were transferred by my employer, The 
Burroughs Corporation, to Kokomo; 
back to Fort Wayne and then to Chicago 
where we lived until | joined the McGill 
Manufacturing Company in May of 
1942. Since that date we have made 
Valparaiso our home and | worked for 
the McGill Company until my _ retire- 
ment as president in 1974. 

During these years Polly has been 
active in community life; her interest 
and talents in music found outlets as 
soloist and choir director for many 
years at the First United Methodist 
Church and as past president of the 
Valparaiso Community Concert Associ- 
ation. She still serves as member of 
the board of the latter organization and 
was privileged to serve as the first pres- 
ident of the Porter County Bicentennial 
Committee. She was also active for 
several years in the Tri Kappa Sorority, 
serving as president of the local chap- 
ter as well as a Province Officer. 

Through these years, | also have been 
involved in many civic activities in the 
community as well as some regional 
and statewide responsibilities. | served 
as Porter County’s Representative in 
the Indiana Legislature during 1965- 
1966 and am presently serving a sec- 
ond term on the Indiana Commission 
for Higher Education, representing the 
second congressional district. | still 
serve as a director on the board of the 


McGill Company and the First Federal 
Savings and Loan Association of Val- 
paraiso, and have remained active in 
community affairs. 


Polly and | reared two sons, Thomas 
and Jeffrey, both attending Valparaiso’s 
fine elementary and secondary schools 
before moving on to college, Tom to 
DePauw University and then to Stan- 
ford for graduate work and Jeffrey to 
Purdue and Indiana University School 
of Medicine. Tom has been employed 
by |. B. M. for several years and lives 
in North Hollywood, California with his 
wife Janice and two sons, Jeffrey and 
Christopher. Our second son, Jeffrey 
and his wife Sharon live in Larkspur, 
California where he is a practicing fam- 
ily physician with offices in nearby Mill 
Valley. 


W. T. ATWELL FAMILY 
HISTORY 


Submitted by Harry Atwell 

The Atwells made Porter County 
their home March 6, 1894 when W. 
Taylor Atwell and his wife Sarah A. At- 
well purchased the farm at Gates Cor- 
ners, Porter Township. With their only 
son, Walter E. Atwell, they moved from 
Chicago to the farm where they lived 
until they retired in 1913 and moved to 
Valparaiso. That farm is now owned 
and occupied by a grandson, Harry and 
wife Doris. 


Walter married Ilva A. Rigg, daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Rigg. They 
bought a farm one-half mile east of 
Gates Corners and lived on that until 
their deaths. Iva passed away May 26, 
1946. Walter passed away April 1, 
1959. 


They were parents of five children: 
Mrs. Paul (Florence) LaCount of Val- 
paraiso; Mr. Harry E. Atwell, R.R. 6, 
Valparaiso; Mrs. Norman (Margaret) 
Wikelund, Elm Grove, Wisconsin; Mrs. 
Eugene (Bernice) Froberg of Valparaiso; 
and Mr. Roger R. Atwell, South Bend, 
Indiana. All are graduates of Valparaiso 
High School except Roger, who is a 
Boone Grove High School graduate. 


The senior Atwells were active people 
in their community, as are their son 
and wife, Harry and Doris, of Porter 
County. Walter served several years as 
Porter County Commissioner elected by 
the Republican Party. 


75 


76 


1842 


Submitted by Mrs. John C. Aylesworth 
In August of 1842 Phillip Aylesworth 
of Big Prairie, Ohio (Wayne Co.) pur- 
chased a 160 acre tract (NW14 Sec. 9, 
R-6-W) in Boone Township. Soon after 
his brother Giles bought directly south 
of the present Aylesworth Switch an ad- 
joining tract of 160 acres from the 
same mutual friend, Aaron Lytle. Giles 
became the first member of the family 
to settle in Porter County moving here 
from Wayne Co. in the autumn of 1842. 
He moved here with his wife and 5 chil- 
dren. He brought 2 wagons, household 
goods, various tools, grub hoe, axe and 
musket. Sealed in a false bottom of a 
dinner bucket was $2,000 in gold with 
which he bought the farm. His great- 
grandson, James Porter Aylesworth, 
still retains the family farm which now 
has been in the family 134 years. 
Giles’ brother Phillip never person- 
ally came to Indiana because of ad- 
vancing age, but sold his 160 acre tract 
to his second son Ira. lra moved to 
Porter County with his wife, and son 
and daughter in 1845. He became prin- 
cipally engaged in buying and selling 
horses rather than the actual cultiva- 
tion of crops. He erected a rude, but 
stout cabin on the edge of the Grand 
Kankakee marsh 34 mile north of the 
present Aylesworth Switch. His home 
was often frequented by Pottawattami 
Indians who were still living in the area. 
His family soon learned to ‘‘hang out 
the latchstring’’ to the native Americans 
so that they might warm themselves by 
the hearth during the cold winter 
nights. It was not unusual for the fam- 
ily (which now included 7 children) to 
arise and find several nocturnal visitors 


AYLESWORTH FAMILY OF PORTER COUNTY 


1976 


asleep on the floor. They would quietly 
leave the house as the family awoke. 
The Indians never bothered anyone, or 
any property, as they felt quite wel- 
come. 

During the years prior to the Civil 
War Ira purchased several adjoining 
acres (tracts) of land, many directly 
from the Federal Gov’t. as well as the 
State Gov't. He was heavily mortgaged 
when the war broke. The wartime in- 
flation brought overnight prosperity to 
the county. In 1865 a railroad was con- 
structed through Hebron and the South 
County. These two factors caused his 
mortgaged holdings to become solvent 
very quickly. Upon his death in July of 
1875 he owned 1396 acres which was 
then divided equally in value (larger 
acreages were given to his children) in 
the Kankakee marsh as it was not fit for 
cultivation) among his widow and seven 
children. Of this amount 551 acres are 
still owned by various descendants and 
most of it (440 acres) is presently 
farmed by his great-great-grandsons 
Michael and Curtis Aylesworth, sons of 
John Clyde Aylesworth, great-grandson 
of Ira Aylesworth. 

In the latter quarter of the 19th cen- 
tury the 7 offspring of the Ira Ayles- 
worth family lived upon their father’s 
farms, built homes and raised large 
families. There were often cattle drives 
through the area from Chicago to the 
rich grasslands of the marsh. The cat- 
tle were the rejects of the stockyards 
being shipped in ‘‘questionable condi- 
tion’’ from the railheads in Kansas. 
Often the drovers would request and 
receive lodging from the John Ayles- 
worth family (the present home of Lil- 


ian Dyniewski). In the return of hospi- 
tality the drovers would leave a couple 
of ‘‘doggies’’ which were too weak to 
travel further. 


By 1910 there were approximately 
50 people of the Aylesworth name in 
Boone township. In 1912 the neighbor- 
hood women met for a birthday for one 
of the Aylesworth ladies. They enjoyed 
themselves so much that they decided 
to meet monthly in each other’s homes. 
In 1921 they purchased an old building 
(which was renovated in 1969) and 
moved it to its present location. The 
Aylesworth Community Club ‘has en- 
joyed 64 years of happy social gather- 
ings In the area. 


The advent of the wars, mechaniza- 
tion, and rural electricity in 1940 
brought about a slow but marked 
change in the rural atmosphere of the 
area. Many of the Aylesworth family 
moved away for better opportunities. 
There are however, many persons re- 
maining in the area who are descended 
from both sides of the two original fam- 
ilies which came to the area long ago. 
They are eagerly awaiting the nation’s 
bicentennial and hope to contribute to 
the next 100 years of history in Porter 
County. 


John Clyde Aylesworth married Mary 
Jane Olson in Chicago, Illinois, in 1942. 
They are the parents of eight children 
and nine grandchildren, at present. The 
Aylesworths live in the home where 
John was born, built by his father Clyde 
in 1917. 


Four of their children are widely trav- 
eled. Michael and Linda and Curtis 
were all in the Orient during the Viet 
Nam War. Cheryl has taught in South 
America, Mexico and Europe. She is 
now teaching in California. Five of the 
children are married. Mrs. Aylesworth 
was a ‘“‘Top-Ten’’ Homemaker at the In- 
diana State Fair in 1965, and she was 
the Indiana Extension Homemaker to 
India in 1968. The Aylesworths have 
traveled extensively, as she was a dele- 
gate to the Associated Women of the 
World Conferences in Oslo, Norway 
(1971) and Perth, Australia (1974). 
John is Manager of the Porter County 
Cooperative on Roosevelt Road in Val- 
paraiso, Indiana. Five of their children 
are university graduates. One daughter 
is now attending I.U. at Bloomington, 
and another is enrolled at Purdue North 
Central. 


THE BABCOCKS OF PORTER 
COUNTY 


Submitted by Mrs. Carl Dalke 


lf courage, initiative and self-reliance 
were needed in the make-up of a pio- 
neer, then William (‘‘Bill’’?) Babcock 
and his sixteen-year-old bride Emily 
(‘‘Em"’) Rebecca Storms could qualify! 
They came from the East when the gov- 
ernment was selling land in Porter 
County—an acre for the same price as 
a yard of calico. They were young, 
healthy and hard-working, cherishing a 
dream of owning land where they could 
build a home. They settled in Liberty 
Township, ten miles north of Valparaiso 
at what came to be called Babcock on 
Babcock Road. 


Eleven children came to live in their 
home. The sons were W. H. (‘‘Hod’’), 
A. J., Charles, Daniel and Frank; the 
daughters were Lenore, Etta, Rose, 
Maud, Kitty and the baby, Emma, who 
lived only a few days. 

There were many years of hard work 
for Bill and Em. Besides clearing the 
land and farming, Bill built his house, 
the big barn (which stood as a land- 
mark until 1974 when it was torn down) 
and a son-in-law ‘shanty’ which was a 
comfortable little cottage in the cherry 
orchard where the children took turns 
living as they married. For the great 
sum of $500 Bill built the Babcock 
School which stood for many years nes- 
tled among the trees of the Weitzel 
woods on Babcock Road—a road which 
stood deep in mud in winter and deep 
with dust in summer. Bill cut his own 
timber to build the little white school 
which was eventually moved to Crocker, 
used as a dwelling and later burned. 


When the B & O Railroad came 
through this part of Porter County, Bill 
sold his timber for ties as did other set- 
tlers in the community. Em did the 
cooking for the crew that built the 
tracks. 

Besides being a fine carpenter, Bill 
was skillful at making furniture. A fine 
cherry chest of drawers that was a wed- 
ding gift for his bride came with them 
from the East and is in the home of a 
great-granddaughter today. The lovely 
walnut cradle that rocked their children 
is cherished by another granddaughter. 

The long dining room in the Babcock 
home was very unusual. Bill had built a 
large bay window to the south which 


Em filled with flowering plants and 
Singing birds. At one time—besides 


her canaries—she had a cardinal that 
could sing the canary’s song as well as 
his own. Nor were all Em’s flowers in- 
doors. Her flower garden was a riot of 
color and her special pride was in un- 
usual shrubs and trees. A red peony 
with a fern-like leaf which Em gave to 
the Robbins, another pioneer family, 
was returned to members of the Bab- 
cock family just recently—after 100 
years! From this same window could be 
seen Em’s peacocks strutting proudly 
in the apple orchard. At night they 
would roost high in the trees, safe from 
any prowling “‘varmints’’. 

Also in this bay window stood Em’s 
sewing machine ever-ready to gather, 
tuck and ruffle for anyone wishing to 
exchange work. These were the days of 
the stay, stiffening, flounces, buttons 
and bows but none were too compli- 
cated for Em. 

While Em was busy stitching, women 
would wash—on a washboard with 
homemade soap which the pioneer wom- 
en made by leaching the wood ashes for 
lye to combine with the fats from butch- 
ering. Ironing was a real chore—heat- 
ing the ‘‘sad”’ irons on the kitchen wood 
stove. There was plenty of baking 
needed—starting the yeast by growing 
their own hops—along with cooking, 
gardening and canning with no modern 
conveniences. 

The Babcock hospitality was enjoyed 
by a large circle of friends and neigh- 
bors. With a house full of pretty girls 
and likable sons as well as an attractive 
‘school marm”’ along with several in- 
teresting railroad men (whom Em 
boarded), many came for company and 
the lively barn dances in the big new 
barn. One never lacked for good times 
here. 

As time went on the children married: 
Lenore wed Andrew Gustafson and they 
farmed. When Lenore died, Andrew 
married Olivia Carlson and moved to 
Valparaiso to run a rooming house for 
Valparaiso University students on 
Greenwich Street. 

“Hod”? married Christina Gustafson 
who had recently arrived in America 
from Sweden. Hod did some farming 
then tried homesteading in Kansas but 
came back to Indiana due to heat, in- 
sects and lack of water. He was a con- 
tractor—moving buildings of all kinds. 
He did moving for Frances Howe who 


lived at the Bailey homestead and was 
a descendant of Joseph Bailey—the 
first white man in this area, who estab- 
lished the homestead in the early 
1820s. He moved the first building 
into Gary—a small ticket station for a 
railroad. 


Frances Howe was an easily-recog- 
nized figure as she drove a beautiful, 
high-stepping horse pulling a shiny 
buggy—holding the reins high—a pic- 
ture enjoyed by the children of Porter 
who would run along side. 


A. J. married Emma Clevenger and 
they lived in Porter where his daughters 
worked in the Featherbone Factory, a 
new industry on the Porter Boom. A. J. 
was a Skilled carpenter and many of the 
farmers on the ‘twenty mile prairie’ 
would have no one else put up their big 
barns—many of them still standing 
sturdy and tall. 


Charles married Florence Clevenger 
but died while still a young man. His 
widow married George Pratt. 


David married Brenda Wetmore, a 
milliner for the Specht, Finney, Skinner 
Store. Brenda made Em’s bonnets— 
black straw and taffeta for summer, 
black quilted taffeta for winter. The 
bonnets were made much like a sun- 
bonnet with long, flowing ties. Em, 
dressed in her black taffeta dress and 
bonnet, lovely brooch at her throat, 
driving her gray mare, Daisy, was a 
familiar sight going to Valparaiso where 
she was a member of the First Chris- 
tian Church or to McCool to attend the 
Methodist Church. 

Dan and Brenda ran a neighborhood 
store in the northern part of Valparaiso. 

Etta married Alfred Lindberg. They 
bought the Brasht farm at Salt Creek. 

Rose married Jeff Clevenger. They 
lived just across the tracks from the 
Babcock farm. Jeff ran a thriving store 
serving as postmaster and station mas- 
ter for the many farmers who brought 
their milk to be shipped on the B & O 
from Babcock Station. 

Maud married Charles Pillman who 
was a railroad man in Crocker. 

Frank, so pleasant and gentle, died 
when he was just a young man. 

Kitty married Fred Wimple, a teacher 
in the schools in the area. 

In all the years Bill and Em were al- 
ways together, making the best of 
everything that happened to them until 


Wa 


78 


the Civil War came. Bill was called and 
Em was left alone to care for the chil- 
dren as best she could. She had many 
trees, but no way to cut wood for fuel 
until the folks from the Daly settlement 
just south of Babcock came to her aid. 

Bill came home from service blind. 
Em took him to Chicago for treatment. 
While he was in the hospital there, the 
Chicago fire broke out. Em went to 
Chicago hunting for Bill and finally 
found him on the lake shore where the 
nurses had led the patients to safety. 

Back home Em gathered herbs along 
the creek bank and made an ointment 
that restored Bill’s sight. (She had doc- 
tored sick neighbors successfully for 
many years.) 

Later another war was to invade the 
Babcock family—the son Dan and an 
underaged grandson, Virgil, were in 
Cuba during the Spanish-American War. 

Tragedy ended Bill’s life. As he was 
riding on the mower, bees stung the 
horses. As they bolted he was thrown 
from the seat and severely cut. By the 
time he was found, gotten to the house 
and a horse and buggy sent for a doc- 
tor in Valparaiso ten miles away, Bill 
had lost so much blood that he died. 
Now Em must go on sad and alone. 
Courageously, she had her son, A. J., 
build her a little white house beside 
the original big farm house. While ten- 
ants farmed her fields, Em had more 
time for travel (spending time with rel- 
atives in Washington and friends in 
California), reading and visiting. 

On one trip she was fortunate to 
meet Carrie Nation whom Em greatly 
admired. A prized possession was an 
autographed book received personally 
from Miss Nation. 

Through her reading of the welfare 
of the United States, Em became in- 
volved in politics. She followed the 
political aspirations of William Jen- 
nings Bryan and waited long hours for 
his arrival for a whistle stop campaign 
in Chesterton. Her patience was _ re- 
warded as Em pushed a favored grand- 
daughter up the train steps and they 
were the only two to shake the candi- 
date’s hand before the train moved on. 

During a trip to Chesterton Em took 
a heavy cold which developed into 
pneumonia. She slept peacefully away 
in the little cottage on the Babcock 
farm. 

People for miles around came to pay 
their respects to Em and— indirectly— 


to Bill, for with their passing, the com- 
munity had lost that very remarkable 
couple—the pioneers of Babcock Sta- 
tion. 


BARNETT, HENRY & MINNIE 


Submitted by Emma (Barnett) Spangler 

It was in March, 1919 that the Barn- 
nett family moved from Hallsville, Ill. 
(DeWitt Co.) to the Harry Pagin farm 
in Washington Twp. about four miles 
east of Valparaiso on State road 2, 
known then as Lincoln Highway. Since 
the goal of a high school education for 
each of their seven children was one 
of their reasons for moving, the ten 
room house less than a quarter mile 
from the Washington Twp. school was 
ideal. All seven children did graduate 
from there: James (deceased) 1922, 
Helen (Shobe) 1923, Edna (Henning- 
feld) 1926, Melvin 1928, Roger 1931, 
Walter 1932, Emma (Spangler) 1934. 
Children of the second and third gen- 
eration have attended and graduated 
from Washington. Edna, Melvin, Wal- 
ter and Emma attended Valparaiso Uni- 
versity, Melvin and Walter graduating 
from there. Edna taught at the Luther 
School for a while. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barnett were members 
of the First Christian Church in Valpa- 
raiso and were active in the P.T.A. and 
Farm Bureau. Minnie belonged to the 
Washington Twp. Ladies Club and Hen- 
ry was a member of Porter Lodge #137 
F. & A.M. In the early days of the Por- 
ter Co. Fair (1926), he was president 
of the Fair Board. A quartet made up 
of Algie Kaufman, Charles Sheffield, 
Walter Bartz, and Henry, accompanied 
by Dollie Bartz, helped provide enter- 
tainment at neighboring as well as lo- 
cal P.T.A. and Farm Bureau meetings. 

Having more vegetables than were 
needed for themselves, a piano box 
was set up in the corner of the yard 
near the road and the surplus was sold 
at the ‘‘stand’’. Later, a small store 
and filling station replaced the piano 
box. 

In 1935, officials of Valparaiso Uni- 
versity were searching for a large rock 
to be placed on the campus and used 
to hold a plaque celebrating the 10th 
anniversary of the Lutheran University. 
Melvin and Walter told them of a large 
granite type rock that was in the pas- 
ture on their dad’s farm. It was what 
they were looking for and was removed 


and placed on what is now known as the 
“old campus’”’. 

In 1944 Mr. and Mrs. Barnett moved 
to the home formerly owned by Ed. 
Hill, located about one mile north of 
Road #2, on 400E, which was known 
as the Blake road. The farm on Road 2 
was sold to Charles Anders, who then 
sold the house to Sam Rudman who 
divided the house at the second level 
and moved both parts across the road, 
across the field and the Grand Trunk 
Railroad tracks to a location on the 
Cobb road and made two single story 
houses of it. 

Mr. Barnett died in 1966 at the age 
of 86, and Mrs. Barnett in 1968 at the 
age of 88. 


THE B. J. BARRINGTON 


FAMILY 
Submitted by Flossie L. (Hall) 
Barrington 

The Barrington Family in Valparaiso 
can not lay claim to being pioneers in 
Porter County. Unlike those whose 
roots were anchored in Porter County 
a century or more ago, we had lived 
here for only fifty-two years. 

Byron J. Barrington first came to 
Valparaiso in 1919 to attend Valpa- 
raiso University. He was born in Sisse- 
ton Roberts County, South Dakota 
where his father had come to establish 
a law practice when the Indian reser- 
vation was opened to settlement. Byron 
J. came to Valparaiso to complete his 
preparatory work after having left high 
school to enlist in the army during the 
First World War at the age of 17 years. 

During the same year, 1919, | came 
to Valparaiso to pursue training pre- 
paratory to a teaching career. My home 
was in Westville, LaPorte County, where 
our family lived since | was nine years 
old. At Valparaiso | lived in a girls dor- 
matory called Altruria located on Col- 
lege Avenue. A large dining room in 
the basement provided meals for the 
girls. Boys and girls from the outside 
were permitted to eat there also. We 
were assigned tables for the term and 
it was at table 24 that | first met my 
husband to be, known as Barry at that 
time. We were married December 29, 
1923. In the meantime he had decided 
on law as his profession and received 
his degree in 1927. He practiced law in 
Valparaiso for thirty-five years, having 
served as city attorney and also as at- 
torney for the Department of Water 


Works for twenty-eight years, 1934- 
1962. He died April 30, 1963. 

We have two sons, James Robert and 
John Wilson. James lives in Chesterton 
with his wife Dorothy and sons James 
R. Il, and Byron John Il. He served in 
World War II in the European Theatre 
and returned to get his engineering de- 
gree at Purdue University in 1949. 
John resides in Overland Park, Kansas 
with his wife Joan and three sons, John 
W. Ill, Paul Byron and Timothy Allan. 
John spent two years in the army after 
high school and now represents the 
Neptune Meter Company in the indus- 
trial and petroleum division. 

The family home is at 355 Garfield 
and is noted for the large cucumber 
magnolia tree which stands in the front 
yard. It was awarded a certificate for 
being the largest of the specie in the 
State by the Department of Forestry 
which conducts a big tree registry. A 
descendant of the original owner said 
it was brought here after the civil war. 

The family has been affiliated with 
First Christian Church for many years 
and | have served in many capacities 
through the years. | served as president 
of the Columbia School P.T.A. in the 
early years of that organization and 
also on the P.T.A. Council. | am a fif- 
ty-four year member of the Rebekah 
Degree of which | have been District 
Deputy president and Guardian of Re- 
bekah Assembly and have held most of 
the offices in the local lodge. 

Of all the names in the directory of 
which many are duplicates, in the fifty 
odd years there has never been an- 
other of our name in Porter County. 
Mrs. Flossie L. (Hall) Barrington. 


CHARLES ROBERT 
BARTHOLOMEW 


Submitted by Charles Michael 
Bartholomew 

The Valparaiso family headed by 
Charles Robert Bartholomew, funeral 
director, can be traced back to south- 
western Pennsylvania in the late 1700's 
—as can several of the Bartholomew 
families in Porter County. 

Jeremiah Bartholomew, who came to 
Valparaiso in 1835, was a farmer and 
merchant of English descent. He moved 
with his parents to Licking County, 
Ohio, in time to enlist to fight in the 
War of 1812. In 1817 he married Re- 
becca Skinner, also of English descent. 
They settled in Lafayette, Indiana, in 


1828, where Jeremiah kept hotel and 
laid out the northern portion of the 
city. They moved to Michigan City in 
1833, and the next year he bought 
about 500 acres in Washington Town- 
ship in Porter County. The following 
year, he took up residence in Center 
Township, where he died in 1841. 


Washington Stevens Bartholomew, 
the second of Jeremiah’s six children, 
was born in 1820. His older brother, 
Artillus V., helped found the Republican 
Party of Porter County and later served 
in the State Legislature. Washington 
married Caroline Stevens, a native of 
England, in 1849, They had five chil- 
dren: Charles Washington, Artillus, Al- 
bert, Elma, and Dora. 


Charles Washington Bartholomew 
was born in Valparaiso on May 30, 
1853. In his early years he was a farm- 
er, and later he entered into partner- 
ship with Shed Herrick as a merchant. 
He subsequently became a commercial 
traveler for a wholesale grocery house. 
He engaged in the furniture business 
in 1890 on South Franklin Street at 
the present location of The Court res- 
taurant. In 1892 he began an under- 
taking firm, which he moved to North 
Washington Street, at the current site 
of Superior Cleaners, in 1909. The 
firm, known as C. W. Bartholomew & 
Son, later was located across the street 
where Temple Israel now stands. 
Charles Washington married Margaret 
Eason (Poor), who was also a native of 
Porter County. Four of their children 
survived to marry: Charles Leroy, H. L. 
(who moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin), 
Alla (wife of Arthur Runyon), and Char- 
lotte (wife of Jack Burt). He died here 
on November 29, 1925. 


Charles Leroy Bartholomew was born 
in Valparaiso on November 15, 1877. 
Educated in the city’s public schools, 
he entered the Chicago College of Den- 
tal Surgery and received his D.D.S. in 
1909. He established a practice in Val- 
paraiso, later moved to Chicago, and 
then returned. He then discontinued 
his practice to enter the undertaking 
business with his father. He married 
Cora Louise, daughter of Alfred and 
Octavia (Hawkins) Bannister of Valpa- 
raiso, in 1912; Cora was a graduate of 
the department of music at Valparaiso 
University, and she was a founder of 
the local Tri-Kappa chapter. Charles 
Leroy entered local politics and served 


as mayor from 1935 to 1943. He re- 
tired from business in 1950 and died 
December 18, 1960. Cora followed on 
July 15, 1972. 


Charles Robert Bartholomew was 
their only child, born December 19, 
1921—tthe same day of the year as 
his mother. He graduated from Valpa- 
raiso High School in 1940, having at- 
tended Kemper Military Academy in 
Booneville, Missouri, briefly. For two 
years he attended Valparaiso University 
before enlisting in the U. S. Navy. He 
served until 1948, and was stationed 
on Saipan for six months. On Septem- 
ber 26, 1943, he married Irene Flor- 
ence, daughter of Marcel and Sophie 
(Szlegier) Borkowski of New Bedford, 
Massachusetts; Irene received her B.A. 
in Liberal Arts from Valparaiso Univer- 
sity. C. Robert entered the funeral busi- 
ness in 1949 after graduating from the 
Worsham College of Mortuary Science 
in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of 
the National Funeral Directors’ Associa- 
tion, the Indiana Funeral Directors’ As- 
sociation, the Chamber of Commerce, 
the American Legion and the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars, the Elks, Masons, and 
the Loyal Order of Moose. Irene has 
taught at Morgan Township High 
School since 1968. He and Irene have 
four children: Charles Michael, a grad- 
uate of Wabash College and the Univer- 
sity of Maryland College of Journalism; 
Robin Dale; Stephen Paul, a graduate 
of Worshaw Mortuary College and Val- 
paraiso’s first registered Emergency 
Medical Technician; and John Christo- 
pher. 

Stephen Paul Bartholomew has en- 
tered the funeral business with his fa- 
ther at the firm’s present location 
(since 1946) at the corner of Indiana 
and Monroe. They currently conduct 
over 120 funerals a year and maintain 
an ambulance fully equipped for trans- 
port of emergency cases. 


BASTEL FAMILY 


Submitted by Mildred M. Bastel 

Mildred M. Bastel—Born in Porter 
County, Valparaiso May 31, 1912. 

Father—William Roy Bastel, native 
of Valparaiso, deceased. 

Mother—lIda Smith Bastel, native of 
Wanatah, deceased. 

Sisters—Dorothy Bastel Marks, Cora 
Bastel Luecke, Nora Bastel Allen. 


79 


80 


Graduated from Valparaiso High 
School in 1930, member of Immanuel 
Lutheran Church, member of Valparaiso 
Business and Professional Women’s 
Club and Past President of same. 

Employed at The Anderson Company, 
Valparaiso—secretary to Plant Mana- 
ger. 


JIMMIE W. BAUER FAMILY 


Submitted by Torrie Bauer 

Jimmie Wilhelm Bauer was born on 
June 3, 1930 in Valparaiso. He is the 
son of Karl W. R. Bauer and Frances L. 
Bauer. 

On November 15, 1953 he married 
Beda June Book at the Immanuel Luth- 
eran church in Valparaiso. Beda was 
born on August 26, 1935. She is the 
daughter of Gustav and Beda Book. 

Jimmie served in the Armed Forces 
from May 1951 to February 1953 dur- 
ing the Korean conflict. He is currently 
employed at U. S. Steel Gary Works 
as a roll turner. He graduated from Val- 
paraiso High School in 1949. Jimmie is 
a member of the Elks, Moose, Eastern 
Star, V.F.W., Scottish Rites and Masons. 

Beda also graduated from Valparaiso 
High School in 1953. She worked for 
several years in the Courthouse and 
was elected Porter County Assessor in 
1970 and again in 1974, thus becom- 
ing the first woman ever to hold that 
office. She is a member of the Associa- 
tion of Indiana County Officials, Indiana 
County Assessors Association, Interna- 
tional Association of Assessing, Eastern 
Star, and past president of Republican 
Womens Club of Central District. 

Jimmie and Beda have one son, 
Torrie, who was born on October 31, 
1955 in Valparaiso. He graduated from 
Valparaiso High School in 1973 and is 
currently employed as a computer op- 
erator at the David E. McDaniel Co., in 
Valparaiso. 


THE FAMILY OF MR. & MRS. 
GEORGE BEARSS 


Submitted by Edith M. Bearss 

Mr. George L. Bearss and Estella 
M. Shoup were married March 19, 
1906 in Valparaiso, Ind. He was a grad- 
uate of Valparaiso High School and at- 
tended Valparaiso University. Mr. 
Bearss was a farmer in Porter Town- 
ship during his lifetime, now deceased 
April 12, 1941. Mrs. Bearss is present- 


ly residing at Whispering Pines. 

Their son, Carlton married Edith 
Reif October 14, 1933. He was a grad- 
uate of Valparaiso High School and was 
a farmer and electrician. His wife grad- 
uated from Boone Grove High School 
and from Valparaiso University with a 
degree in Elementary Education. She 
taught in the Pleasant, Porter and Cen- 
ter Township Schools. 

There are three daughters in this 
family. Anita married Daniel Buibish 
and they are the parents of Diann, Da- 
vid and Danita (Mrs. Glen Ford) and 
grandparents of Daniel Glen Ford. 

Miss Nancy Bearss, a graduate of 
Ball State University, who resides and 
teaches in Las Alamos, New Mexico. 

Janet, who is married to Russell Bo- 
wen. They are the parents of a son, 
Jeremy. She is a graduate of Ball State 
University and is employed at the City 
Library in Anderson, Indiana. 


ORIS JOHN BEDENKOP AND 
CATHERINE ELIZABETH 
(LOOMIS) 


Children: Doloris and Pamela 

(Oris) | was born December 3, 1912, 
at New Burdick, 14 mile south of the 
intersection of 575 East and Burdick 
Road. There were seven houses there, 
a boardinghouse, a small store of gen- 
eral merchandise, and a pumphouse 14 
mile east to water locomotives on the 
New York Central (now Penn Central). 
| was born in a house there on ground 
(40 acres) bought from Great Uncle 
Henry. In 1924 my family moved to the 
location where | live now, 575 East and 
Burdick Road. There we had a stone- 
foundation barn, a few sheds, and a 
low bungalow-type frame house. 

My parents, John and Mussette, had 
five children—Mayo, Leland, Ramona, 
Lorene, and me. Mayo and Lorene died 
in infancy. 

| attended Smoky Row School, which 
was 14 mile west of my present home. 
Smoky Row School was probably named 
for the constant smoke from a nearby 


small industry, possibly a tannery. | 
rode a horse to Smoky Row School and 
drove a Model T Ford, one of very few, 
to Chesterton High School. 

My dad and | joined Farm Bureau 
under the name of J. F. Bedenkop and 
Son and remained in it together until 
Dad’s death in 1953. (Mother died in 
1943.) The Farm Bureau met in a brick 
school house at the present site of the 
Farm Bureau Community Hall at the 
corner of Brown Road and 1400 North. 
The Pine Twp. Farm Bureau was organ- 
ized in 1919 with my dad as one of 
the organizing members. -We_ met 
around an old pot-belly stove. | was 
elected to some offices locally, then 
county, then to state office as a District 
Director since 1964. My past and pres- 
ent offices include being a director of 
the County Co-op for 10 years; director 
of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; di- 
rector of Indiana Producers’ Marketing 
Asso.; director of Indiana Farm Bureau, 
Inc.; vice-president and president of 
the Board of Trustees of IV Tech (on 
the Board from 1965-1974), and cur- 
rently being on the Porter County Sher- 
iff’'s Dept. Merit Board. I’ve also been 
active in Republican politics for many 
years. 

My first experience with farming was 
plowing with a bob-tail riding plow (1- 
bottom 14’’ Oliver) and three horses. 
The real test was just to get the job 
done; straight furrows were almost out 
of the question. Our first tractor was a 
Fordson, and the next one was a John 
Deere G with steel wheels around 1934. 
Instead of trading for a new tractor, we 
cut the steel off and mounted rims for 
rubber tires. We had a dairy farm for 32 
years with as many as sixty head of 
cattle at one time. 

| remember a Halloween stunt by a 
bunch of kids. They took apart a wagon 
loaded with bags of wheat and reassem- 
bled the wagon and loaded it on the ga- 
ble roof of a shed. 

In the early 1930’s we could have a 
date in Michigan City, Valparaiso, or 
LaPorte for a dollar, including a movie 
for two and sandwiches and ice cream. 
A professional carpenter and mason 
could be hired for $2.00 a day plus 
their dinners. A $150/month milk 
check was “‘big.”’ 

We were married in 1934 and started 
housekeeping with the supplies of a 
broom, groceries, etc., amounting to 
$3.00! 


Doloris Ann was born on February 9, 
1936, and Pamela Joan was born on 
February 1, 1947. 


(Catherine) | was born on January 3, 
1911, at Rolling Prairie, Indiana, seven 
miles east of LaPorte to Howard and 
Elizabeth Loomis. | have three brothers, 
Norman, Orphie, and Dumont (Bud), 
and no sisters. 


| attended school at Byron School, 
walking 214 miles while | was in the 
first and second grades. | rode in a 
horse-drawn bus to Rolling Prairie High 
School, Hamilton School, and New Car- 
lisle High School. | drove a Model A to 
Chesterton for my senior year of high 
school and graduated from Chesterton 
High School in 1929. 


| worked at various jobs during the 
Depression, including being a doctor’s 
receptionist. 


Oris and | eloped on February 3, 
1934, with Florence (Swenson) Nelson 
and my brother Norman helping plan 
it, including flowers and services by 
Rev. Clark at Berwyn, Illinois, in the 
parsonage. | left with my brother for 
the train from New Carlisle to Michigan 
City and drove with Oris to City Hall in 
Chicago. We had to place a call. to Oris’ 
folks to verify that he was 21 years old. 
Beyond our families, we kept our mar- 
riage a secret until October. Then we 
honeymooned at the Wisconsin Dells. 
Between February and October, we 
built the ‘‘bungalow,’’ a house just east 
of our present home and where Oris’ 
folks lived at that time. 


| had a _ two-door Whippette car, 
made by the Overland Co., when we 
first met. That was at the Benton Farm, 
one of the prison farms, and | had gone 
there to see the dairy set-up and the 
individual water cups. Oris was in the 
Same barn at the time and said to a 
companion, ‘‘There goes my wife,’’ be- 
fore we were introduced that day. 

About 1930 or 1931 the state 
bought four farms to the north and east 
of our present home. Prison farms were 
built on these farms, but there was no 
real worry about their proximity at that 
time. 


Doloris is a graduate of Ball State 
Teachers’ College and the Ball State 
School of Nursing with the BS and RN 
Degrees. Pam is a graduate of Harding 
College with a BA Degree. We have four 
grandchildren: Doloris and Husband 
Earl Radke’s Lisa and Dana and Pam 


and Husband Derald Ailes’ Thaddeus 
(Thad) and Dena. 


| helped organize the Pine Twp. 4-H 
and was an assistant leader for three 
years and a leader for twenty-seven 
years. | was on the Porter County Ex- 
tension Board in the 60’s and early 
70’s and was the secretary for several 
years and was also a 4-H Council mem- 
ber at one time. 


We are members of the First United 
Methodist Church at Chesterton where 
I’m on the UM Women’s Executive 
Board and serve as a Circle Chairman 
and as the secretary of Program Ma- 
terials. 


In 1944 we remodeled the original 
farm house and moved in after Oris’ 
mom died. In 1957 we added a garage 
and breezeway, and in 1967 we remod- 
eled again. 


DONALD BELASCHKY FAMILY 


Submitted by Mr. & Mrs. 
Donald Belaschky 


Donald Belaschky was a descendant 
of the Josiah Plummer family who re- 
sided in rural Porter County since 
1854. His mother was the former Retha 
R. Plummer. 


In 1914 Donald’s father Carl mi- 
grated to Valparaiso with his parents 
and three sisters. They settled on Lin- 
wood Avenue. 


In 1946 Donald married the former 
Patrica Platts also of Valparaiso. They 
have six children. Susan who is mar- 
ried to J. Keith Heinold who is asso- 
ciated with Heinold Oil Company in 
Valparaiso. They have one son and two 
daughters. Sally is married to Fredric 
Price, a public relations director at 
Winona Hospital in Indianapolis. Sally 
teaches senior literature at Warren Cen- 
tral High School, outside of Indianapo- 
lis. James and Fredrick are both em- 
ployed by General Telephone Company. 
Jim is married to the former Sharon 
Butterfield of Valparaiso. Fred is mar- 
ried to the former Florence Johnston of 


Merrillville. They both reside in Valpa- 
raiso. Rodney and Amy are both at 
home. 

Donald has been employed as a turn 
foreman in the 160 inch Plate Mill at 
Bethlehem Steel since 1964. 


BERLIN FAMILY 


Submitted by Jack Wesley and 
Jennie Sue Berlin 


Jack was born in Valparaiso, the son 
of Ray S. Berlin, Sr., and E. Floss Ber- 
lin. Jennie Sue is the daughter of Jo- 
seph S. Allen and Deliliah Allen, Ellen- 
boro, North Carolina, and came to Por- 
ter County in 1946. 


Jack is a Tool and Die Maker at Mc- 
Gill Manufacturing Company, and Jen- 
nie Sue is a secretary at Indiana Gen- 
eral. They are members of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso. 

They have two daughters, Rebekah 
(Mrs. Ronald L. Bluhm), who lives in 
Valparaiso, and Susan (Mrs. Richard 
Tamburini), who resides in Middlebury, 
Connecticut. Rebekah and Ronald have 
a son, Christopher, and Susan and 
Richard have a son, Richard, and two 
daughters, Lisa and Michelle. 


HISTORY OF PROF AND MRS. 
VIRGIL BERRY 


Prof. Virgil E. Berry and his wife 
Hazel Gibbs Berry moved to Valparaiso 
in 1919 shortly after their marriage. 
Prof. Berry had just accepted a posi- 
tion as a law instructor at Valparaiso 
University then called Brown Univer- 
sity. He served as a professor of law 
until 1959 when he retired. He was a 
member of First United Methodist 
Church, Valparaiso University Faculty 
Forum and Delta Theta Phi fraternity. 
Prof. Berry died in 1970. 


Mrs. Berry taught English at Val- 
paraiso University for a short time after 
their arrival here. She belonged to 
many local clubs and organizations in- 
cluding, The Valparaiso Women’s Club, 
Valparaiso University Faculty Forum, 


81 


82 


Alpha Xi Epsilon sorority, Faculty Wo- 
men’s Club, Valparaiso University Guild 
and was a founder and past president 
of the American Association of Uni- 
versity Women. She is also a member 
of First United Methodist Church. She 
has lived in Valparaiso for 56 years and 
presently resides at Canterbury Place 
Nursing Home. 


Professor and Mrs. Berry have two 
daughters born in Valparaiso. They are 
Emmadean Berry Ramos and Martha 
Lou Berry Devine. They both lived in 
Valparaiso until their marriages. 


Professor and Mrs. Berry spent many 
happy years in Valparaiso and both 
daughters fondly remember it as their 
home. 


MAX AND MINNIE 
BERNHARTS 


The Max and Minnie Bernharts came 
to Valparaiso in the early 1900s. Five 
of their six children were born in Val- 
paraiso. Harry, the oldest, died in Cali- 
fornia in 1971. He moved there from 
Chicago and was in the real estate busi- 
ness. Mollie Spivak, the only daughter, 
resides in the San Fernando, Calif. 
area with her daughter, husband and 
family. Earl, a retired advertising exec- 
utive resides in Dallas, Texas. 


Rollie Bernhart, the fourth child of 
the Max Bernharts married Dorothy 
Retskoff of Chicago where they re- 
sided thirteen years after marriage. 
Rollie served two years in World War 
Il, and on his return, sold his liquor 
business in Chicago and moved back to 
Valpo where he resumed his newspaper 
work which had started when he was 18 
and was employed by the Herald-Ex- 
aminer. 

He worked for the Vidette-Messenger 
for 23 years as a reporter, chief pho- 
tographer, political editor, and colum- 
nist He is in Who's Who, received meri- 
torius awards from the Jaycees of which 
he was the only honorary member, the 
United Fund, from Valparaiso Univer- 
sity, Porter Memorial Hospital Admin- 
istrator and Board for 20 years of ded- 
icated service through publicity, and 
an award from the American Legion 
Charles Pratt Post for work done as 
Service Officer, and was appointed to 
the Volunteer Army Advisory Council in 
1974. 


He was a close friend and adviser 
of some politicians and congressmen 
and attended the reception in Washing- 
ton, D.C. when Birch Bayh took his sen- 
atorial seat as well as attending Chas. 
Halleck retirement banquet in Lafay- 
ette. 


He and wife Dorothy were instrumen- 
tal along with Juanita Borg, teacher at 
Northview, John Beach, and Bud Brown- 
ell in instigating a tag day, a dance and 
fund raising for the first basketball 
scoreboard and football boards at the 
old high school—now Ben Franklin Jr. 
High. Dorothy was one of the four ori- 
ginators of the Community Theatre 
Guild, along with Verle Arden, 
Donna Shankland and Gladys Gray, 
then Jr. High President of P.T.A. at 
the time, which is the present Central 
School. She was active in Jr. Relief 
Corps. taking young people sightseeing 
to Chicago and to cultural places, mem- 
ber of the Mothers’ Victory Club, Aux- 
iliary Am. Legion, Charter Member of 
Valpo and Midwest Toastmistress 
Clubs, twelve years as a hospital guild 
volunteer, 35 years in Red Cross in 
Valpo and Chapter Chairman in Chica- 
go, Bus. and Prof. Women’s Club 
treas., and after her husband’s death 
took over as correspondent for the 
South Bend Tribune and the Indianap- 
olis Star and News newspapers, a sub- 
stitute teacher and is a Field Enter- 
prise Ed. Corp. representative. 


Daughters of the Rollie Bernharts 
are Mrs. Marcia (John W.) Gold, and 
Ellen Bernhart of Valparaiso. Marcia is 
the mother of three children, Andy, 9, 
Amy 8, and Roni Beth 2. Ellen, is a 
world traveler, to the Far East, and Mid- 
dle East where she was employed at 
the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. 
At Wesley in Chicago she was a head 
nurse in obstetrics and currently is em- 
ployed at the Merrillville Broadway 
Methodist Hospital. Marcia was twice a 
Speech Contest winner locally, on a 
Council level as well as Toastmistress 
Regional level. 


The younger brother of Rollie Bern- 
hart, Irvin and wife Laura (Bartz) re- 
side in Jackson, Mch. and are both in 
real estate; they have five children, 
Janet is a personnel mgr. in a dept. 
store in Jackson; has one son. Carol, 
has two boys and is Mrs. Mike Barnard 
and is in Battle Creek; James and wife 


Linda, both Valpo Univ. graduates are 
in Ft. Wayne, Jim being an engineer at 
Magnavox, Charles is a doctor at Sinai 
Hospital in Detroit; Phil is completing 
Ann Arbor Univ. and expects to go into 
dentistry. 


The youngest brother Milton of the 
Max Bernhart family is in Burbank, 
Calif. and is a trombonist and plays 
backdrop music for movies, TV specials 
and owns the Kelly Travel Agency in 
Beverly Hills, Calif. He has two sons 
and a daughter. 


THE BLACHLY FAMILY 


Thomas Blachly, the progenitor of 
the Blachly family in the New World, 
was born in England in 1615, and died 
in Boston in 1674. His father emi- 
grated to England from Holland. Thom- 
as disembarked from the good ship 
‘Hopewell’ at Boston Harbor, July 28, 
1635, and in subsequent moves with 
his wife, Susanna Ball, lived in Hart- 
ford, New Haven, and Branford, Con- 
necticut. 


In direct line, following Thomas, 
came Aaron Blachly, Ebenezer (first), 
Ebenezer (second), Dr. Miller Blachly, 
Dr. William Boyd Blachly. The latter, 
Dr. William Boyd Blachly born in Tren- 
ton, New Jersey resided for twenty 
years in Washington county, Pennsyl- 
vania, then moved to Wayne county, 
Ohio in 1816, where he platted Blach- 
leyville, December 16, 1833. From 
Wayne county, Ohio Dr. William Boyd 
Blachly, and his son, Dr. Cornelius, 
moved to Blachly’s Corners, now known 
as Union Center, some six miles west 
of Valparaiso on June 6, 1836. Owning 
land three miles west of Valparaiso in 
Union township, he set aside a parcel 
of land for burial purposes, and known 
as the Blachly Cemetery, where he is 
buried. 

Dr. William Boyd Blachly had two 
wives, Sarah VanSickle, who died in 
1810, and was the mother of eight chil- 
dren, and Elizabeth Bartholomew, 
whom he married in 1811, was the 
mother of eleven children, and is buried 
at Blachly Cemetery. 


As most families, their individual in- 
terests and activities were divided, 
some were farmers, others teachers, 
and a number of doctors. 


za. ——_—_-———_ 


a” 


\ 


THE WILLIAM D. BLASINGAME 
FAMILY 


Bill and Diane Blasingame reside at 
3803 Hemlock Drive in Valparaiso, In- 
diana. The three Blasingame children 
are Tammy, age 9; Frank, age 8; and 
Tracy, age 5. 

Bill received his B. S. degree from 
Purdue University. He is an electrical 
foreman for Bethlehem Steel Corpora- 
tion. 

The Blasingames are members of 
Christ Lutheran Church. Diane has 
been director of the church’s vacation 
Bible school, has served on Christian 
education projects, and is a Sunday 
school teacher. 

Tammy, Frank, and Tracy attend 
Cooks Corner School. Diane has worked 
at the school as a volunteer teacher’s 
aide, teacher of ceramic mini-courses, 
and is currently a girl scout leader. 

Bill is a member of Porter Lodge 
137, F & A M, South Bend Scottish 
Rite, and York Rite bodies of Porter 
Lodge. 

As a family hobby, the Blasingames 
do ceramic pouring, firing, and paint- 
ing. Bill is a model railroad hobbyist. 
The Blasingame children display col- 
lections of ceramic soldiers, dolls, 
ships, and airplanes throughout their 
home. 


LYDIA FRANCES BLOEMAN 


Lydia Frances Bloemen was born in 
Jasper County, near Rensselaer, Indi- 
ana on June 15, 1892 to Mr. and Mrs. 
Thomas Hamacher. | moved to Valpa- 
raiso, Indiana in March 1901 to 707 
Indiana avenue with my parents. My 
mother lived there until she sold the 
home to Mr. and Mrs. Milton Aigner in 
1934, the heirs still own the home. 


|! remember sliding down Mechanic 
Hill (now Indiana avenue) from College 
street to almost Morgan. | would also 
do the same on Main street (now Lin- 
colnway). Mr. and Mrs. Hamacher 
raised 8 children of which | was 7th in 
line and the last one living. 

In 1912 | was married to Charles 
Bloemen from Evansville, Indiana, a 
carpenter by trade, his last work before 
retiring was on the Valparaiso Univer- 
sity Chapel. He died in 1968. 

We raised 3 children, Frank Dee, 
Mary Frances and Nancy May. Mary 
Frances married Carl A. Babcock of 
Liberty township, Porter County. They 
raised a daughter Donna Jean who mar- 
ried Kenneth Earl Grether of Peru, In- 
diana. They have a year old daughter, 
Kimberly Sue. Nancy May married Ear 
Huffman of Logansport, Indiana, a 
graduate of Valparaiso Technical Insti- 
tute. They have one son Curtis Ray. 
Their home is in Charleston, South 
Carolina. Frank our oldest married 
Hope Whitlow of Gary, Indiana. They 
had three children Vivian, William Dee 
and Dale Frank. Their home was at Lake 
Dale Carla near Lowell, Indiana until 
Frank’s wife died in 1954 at which time 
he moved back home with his two sons. 
His daughter a high school senior was 
already living and going to school in 
Gary. Eleven months later he was killed 
in a 2 car accident west of Valparaiso 
in which 5 persons lost their lives. 
Therefore, Charles and | raised his two 
sons, ages at that time being 8 and 4 
years of age. | still live in our home at 
505 Morgan which we bought in 1918. 
It was a store building which was 
moved from the Grand Trunk Railroad 
area earlier. Mary Frances and Nancy 
May both were born in this house. 
Mary Frances was also married in this 
house. She and her husband were liv- 
ing here when their daughter was born 
in this same house. 

| belong to the First Christian Church 
of which | have been a choir member 
since | was a teen ager. My daughter 
Mary Frances and her husband Carl are 
faithful workers in the church. They 
live at 1113 Valparaiso street. 

Reverting back to my father Thom- 
as Hamacher. He helped grade Broad- 
way in Gary, Indiana with a team of 
horses. His father (my grandfather) 
John Hamacher layed out the first 39 
lots of Cothersville, Indiana his home 
is still standing. Charles Bloemen’s 


father was born in Almelo, Holland and 
came to the United States at the age of 
19 years. 


JOHN BOWMAN FAMILY 


Submitted by Mrs. John Bowman 

John Bowman, 33, was born and 
raised in Valparaiso. He attended Val- 
paraiso public schools, received a B.S. 
degree at Valparaiso University and a 
Masters degree from Indiana State Uni- 
versity. He taught at Wheeler High 
School and Calumet Jr. High School be- 
fore accepting a position with Bethle- 
hem Steel Corp. in 1974. He is a mem- 
ber of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the 
local YMCA and the Porter Co. Asso- 
ciation for Mentally Retarded. John is 
the son of George A. Bowman and the 
late Sadie (Frederick) Bowman, both 
natives of Porter County. 

John’s wife, Elke, 30, attended Val- 
paraiso University, where she met her 
husband. A native of Stuttgart, W. Ger- 
many, she holds a B.A. degree from 
Valparaiso University and taught at 
Chesterton High School for 31% years. 

John and Elke are the parents of two 
girls: Ute, age 7, and Monica, age 21/. 

Present address: 1603 Wood Street, 
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. 


FAMILY OF WILLIAM R. AND 
HILDA P. BRADY 


Submitted by Edward A. Brady 

This account is written by Edward 
Brady, the only son still residing in Por- 
ter County. 

Hilda and William Brady (both de- 
ceased) moved with their family to this 
area from Chicago in 1925: and settled 
on a farm, then known as the ‘‘Over- 
meyer Farm’”’ located on what is now 
R.R. #6, Valparaiso. ; 

There were five children in the fam- 
ily at that time: Lucille, Harold, Doro- 
thy, Edward and Muriel. 

Lucille Brady married Clarence Lem- 


83 


84 


ster, and they now reside in Wheeler, 
Indiana. They have one son, Clarence, 
Jr. Clarence married Marjorie Spark- 
man of Hazard, Kentucky, and they 
now reside on R.R. #2, Hobart, Indiana 
with their three children—Jeffrey, Mat- 
thew and Deronda. 

Dorothy Brady married Howard 
Schwinkendorf, and they live on R.R. 
#1, Valparaiso. Their two daughters are 
Judith and Candace. Candace is mar- 
ried to Robert Crone and they live in 
Chesterton, Indiana with their son, Ean. 
Judith, who is married to James Broad- 
hurst, resides in Valparaiso with their 
two children, Jamie and Jennifer. 

Muriel Brady married Robert Mc- 
Bain; they now reside in Battle Creek, 
Michigan. They have three children— 
Wayne, Kathleen and Michael. Wayne 
married Mary Ann of Pennsylvania and 
is a career man in the Navy; they have 
two sons. Kathleen married Robert Pat- 
rick. They have one son, Robert, and 
they now reside in Bloomington, Illi- 
nois. Michael is unmarried and is a resi- 
dent of Valparaiso. 

Harold Brady married Sue Olsen of 
Chicago. Of their five children—Milan, 
Patricia, Arlene, Bonnie and Tom—only 
Patricia and Arlene have ever lived in 
Porter County. Patricia is married to 
Glen Ariel and now resides in Chicago 
with their three children. Arlene Brady 


married Don Meyer from Wheeler, and 
they now reside on R.R. #3, Valparaiso. 
They have two daughters living at 
home, Lynette and Sandra. Harold and 
Sue are now residing in Florida. 

Leonard Brady, who was born in Por- 
ter County while the family lived on the 
““Overmeyer Farm’’, married Dolores 
Hershey of Chicago. They are now re- 
siding in Riverside, California with their 
three children, Michael, Linda and Wil- 
liam. 

Finally, Edward Brady (the writer), 
married Helen Gardner of Hartford, 
Michigan, and still resides in Valparai- 
so. They have three daughters—Nancy, 
Donna and Jacqueline. Nancy Brady 
married Samuel Lahti of New York, and 
they reside in Valparaiso with their four 
daughters—Delinda, Robyn, Deborah 
and Lori. Donna Brady married Gene 
Moore of Florida. They are now resid- 
ing in Kissimee, Florida, and have three 
children—Gene, Jr., Caroline and Wil- 
liam. Jacqueline is married to Jimmie 
Bettis of Arkansas. They now reside on 
R.R. #1, Hebron, Indiana with their 
two children—Shannon and Jason. 

After moving to Porter County in 
1925, Harold, Dorothy and Edward at- 
tended the Hayes School—a little one- 
room school located at the intersection 
of what is now Route #2 and C.R. 
150W. The building still stands, but is 


O20? OE 
——— ee 
; 


a tie a 


ee a ae 


ae 


> 


; 
: 
; 
- 
Y 
: 
/ 
/ 
' 
; 
' 


¥.6% 
2.6.8 & 
= oe 
x Hn 
sof yy x 


< 


) 


Hayes School, Class of 1927 


now converted to a private home. Dur- 
ing the years 1926 and 1927, we were 
taught by Mrs. Virgil Johnson, who at 
that time resided in Valparaiso. 

Enclosed find a class picture that 
was taken in 1927 on the front steps 
of that school. Most of the children in 
the picture still live here in Porter 
County. 

Harold Brady graduated from this 
school in 1927. The graduation exer- 
cises were held collectively with the 
Leonard School, and possibly some 
others on the stage of the Opera House 
here in Valparaiso. 


FAMILY OF FRANK J. BROWN 


Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Brown have 
been married 61 years and resided all 
61 years at 1207 Evans Avenue, Val- 
paraiso, Indiana. Mrs. Brown was the 
former Mabel Gertrude Bull, daughter 
of G. W. Bull and granddaughter of 
T. W. Bull whom were quite prominent 
in Liberty Township. Mrs. Browns’s 
grandfather's home picture was 
painted by an artist and hangs in the 
local historical society building. Mrs. 
Brown was born and reared in what is 
presently Camp Lawerence. Camp Law- 
erence was formerly called the Moss 
Lake Farm, acquiring it’s name from 
the moss that covered the pond. The 
barn foundation that Mrs. Brown helped 
put together is still there. Her younger 
sister, Bertha has her foot prints in the 
floor. The rocks for the foundation were 
all taken off the property. Moss Lake 
Farm was sold to the Gary Catholic Dio- 
cese in 1950 by her sister and her hus- 
band. 

Mr. Brown was born in Chicago, Illi- 
nois and moved to Valparaiso, where he 
currently resides on September 23, 
1908, on his twentieth birthday. 

He met his wife and brought her to 


a’ 


his home to live. He was a farmer, and 
worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad 
on the section between Port Huron, 
Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. He also 
was a Carpenter and in his younger days 
engaged his spare time in_ painting 
china, and other arts. 


Mrs. Brown remained at home and 
raised their four children, Helen, John, 
Mabel Leanna, and Alma Elizabeth. Mrs. 
Brown is active in Trinity Lutheran 
Church and the William Henry Harrison 
DAR. In her spare times she quilts and 
cans. Mr. Brown tends to a fine garden, 
and at the age of 87 he is employed by 
the Porter County Farm Buraeu. 


At one time Mr. and Mrs. Brown’s 
home belonged to our present Mayor’s 
grandmother. 


—_ ~ 


MR. AND MRS. EUGENE E. 
BULLIS 


Submitted by M/M Eugene E. Bullis 

Mr. Eugene Bullis, a native of New 
Lisbon, Wis., came to Valparaiso in 
1938 to attend the Dodge Radio Insti- 
tute. Upon graduation he became an 
engineer in a Cape Girardeau, Mo., ra- 
dio station. During WWII he returned to 
Valparaiso and has been an instructor 
at VTI for over 30 years. He is a Mason, 
a Rotarian, a Toastmaster who has won 
State contests, a member of many en- 
gineering societies, and a member of 
the First Methodist Church where he 
has held a number of offices. Mr. Bullis 
attended Valparaiso University, Case In- 
stitute of Technology, U. of Wisconsin, 
Baylor University College of Medicine 
and holds a B.S. in Electronic Engineer- 
ing. 

His wife Ruth, a native of Goshen, 
Indiana, is a business education teach- 


er who has taught 25 years in the 
Wheeler High School. She holds an M.A. 
degree from Ball State University and 
has attended Goshen College, U. of 
Wis., and Northwestern U. She held of- 
fices in the Porter Co. Teachers’ Asso- 
ciation, Am. Assoc. of Univ. Women, 
Porter County Guidance Clinic and the 
First Methodist Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bullis have been resi- 
dents of Valparaiso since their marriage 
in 1947. 


THE FAMILY OF LAWRENCE E. 
BURCH 


Submitted by Mrs. Lawrence E. Burch 

The Burch Family consists of Law- 
rence Burch, Father, Elinor Burch, 
Mother, Christine 71% years and Joel, 
5 years. The mother and father were 
born of parents who were residents of 


Porter County. Both have attended 
schools in the County, V.H.S. and 
C.H.S. respectively. We are currently 


residents of Morgan Township. Law- 
rence is employed at McGill Manufac- 
turing. Elinor is a past employee of the 
City of Valparaiso, having worked for 
the V.P.D., City Engineer and Mayor 
Don Will. 

Christine Burch is an elementary 
student at Morgan Township School. 

This family is a part of First Chris- 
tian Church in Valparaiso, having sung 
in church choir, served on Board of 
Deacons and in C.W.F., and having 
taught 4 years of Sunday School. 

Lawrence Burch is a member of Elks, 
B.P.0.E. 500 and a veteran of the U.S. 
Navy, having served on the Daniel E. 
Jay in the early 1950’s in the area of 
Cuba and the Virgin Islands. 


DAVID ALLEN AND 
KATHERINE DENA BUTTERFIELD 


Submitted by Dave & Kathy Butterfield 

Dave was born and raised in Valpa- 
raiso, Indiana, and Kathy was born and 
raised in Gary, Indiana. Dave is a 1963 
graduate of Valparaiso High School and 
earned a B.S. in Business Administra- 
tion from Indiana University in 1967 
and a Juris Doctor Degree from Valpa- 
raiso University School of Law in 1971. 
Kathy graduated from Horace Mann 
High School in 1962 and earned a B.S. 
in Accounting at Indiana University. 


She was employed by Comay’s Jewel- 
ers in Gary as an assistant manager 
and inventory bookkeeper for ten years 
while in high school and in college and 
taught at Boone Grove High Schoo! for 
three years while Dave was in law 
school. While teaching, she was the 
faculty sponsor for the National Honor 
Society, Cheerleaders and G.A.A. She 
also sponsored the youth group of the 
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek 
Orthodox Church and directed the Jun- 
ior Choir and taught teenage Sunday 
School. She is currently employed by 
her husband as his secretary. 


Dave worked at U. S. Steel during the 
years of his education and upon grad- 
uating from law school, was employed 
by Legal Services—Legal Education in 
South Bend as a staff attorney. In Feb- 
ruary of 1973, he was appointed City 
Attorney of Valparaiso and opened his 
office for the private practice of law. 
In December of 1974, he became part 
of the law firm of Tsoutsouris, Butter- 
field and Johnston. He is a member of 
local, state and national bar associa- 
tions as well as Phi Alpha Delta Law 
Fraternity. He is on the Board of Trus- 
tees of the Saints Constantine and Hel- 
en Greek Orthodox Church in Merrill- 
ville, a member of the Chamber of 
Commerce, the Jaycees, the Val- 
paraiso Ad-Hoc Committee for the Bi- 
centennial, Kiwanis, has chaired fund 
raising committees for the United Way, 
is a past counselor for the Boy Scouts 
in the Merit Badge Program, has been 
honored as an Outstanding Young Man 
of America of 1975. 


The Butterfields live in Valparaiso 
and have one daughter—Deena Chris- 
tine. Deena’s grandparents are Buck 
and Christine Butterfield of Valparaiso 
and Nick and Dena Adams also of Val- 
paraiso. 


THE ELEX LARRY CAGLE 
FAMILY 


The Elex Cagle Family has lived at 
2915 Russell Street in Portage for nine 
years. 


The family consists of Elex, his wife 
Brenda, son Lloyd Alan and daughter 
Tammie Michele, plus the family pet 
irish setter, Red. 

Elex is called Larry by friends and 
family. He was born on March 21, 1946 
in Huntsville, Alabama. He is the 


85 


86 


youngest of six children born to Mon- 
tie and James Cagle. 

When Elex was about a year and a 
half old the family moved to East Gary, 
Indiana. His father and mother were 
employed by U. S. Steel in Gary. (they 
are now retired) 

In 1965 Elex married Brenda Lan- 
ette King. (born April 4, 1948 in Gary, 
Indiana) The eldest of three children 
born to Oseline and J. D. King was 
Brenda. Her folks are both employed, 
J. D. at the Budd Company, and Ose- 
line at Hook’s Drug Store in Portage. 

Elex and Brenda lived in East Gary 
for two years. Their son, Lloyd Alan Ca- 
gle was born September 17, 1966 in 
Gary, Indiana. He was one year old 
when they moved to Portage. Lloyd Alan 
now attends Central Elementary school 
in Portage. Elex is employed at Bethle- 
hem Steel as an inspector in the Basic 
Oxygen Furnace dept. 

Newest arrival to the Cagle family is 
Tammie Michele. She was born March 
31, 1975 at Porter Memorial Hospital 
in Valparaiso, Indiana. 


DAVID AND ANN CARTER 


David F. and Ann Carter moved to 
an old farm home on Indian Boundary 
Line Road in Chesterton in May 1949. 
Really enjoyed life with their 3. chil- 
dren—dogs—cats and horses. 


In 1949 Ann started in the Real Es- 
tate business. Dave joined Ann in May 
1955 and also started his Insurance 
Agency. They helped start the Ches- 
terton Board of Realtors, Chesterton 
Kindergarten, Westchester Chamber of 
Commerce. David is a past president 
and Ann was secretary for the first four 
years. In 1964 Ann was selected as the 
Indiana Realtor of the Year. Ann started 
the development of Graham Woods and 
other subdivisions. 

1965 saw the Carters in their Colo- 
nial Office and home. 

1975 finds both Ann and Dave re- 
tired enjoying family life and garden- 
ing. Ann and Dave have three children; 

Marvin—Graduated Chesterton high 
school, attended Indiana University, a 
State Trooper since 1964. In 1960 
married Julieann Mayer of Indianapolis. 
They have three Children, Elizabeth, 
Douglas and Angeline. 

Patricia—wife of Lawrence Olson, 
has two children, Robert D. Lyda and 
Catherine Lyda. 

Andrew—Graduated Chesterton High 
School, Purdue University 1969, Mas- 
ter of Science Degree Purdue 1970. 
He is currently with the head office of 
Associates Investment Co. in South 
Bend, Ind. Married Karen Anderson of 
Lafayette, Ind. in 1969. They have one 
child, Andrew L. Carter III. 


—s 
. —e 


~ 


e 
es 
Pee 


Front row: Douglas Carter, Elizabeth Carter, Angeline Carter, Andrew Carter II, Andrew 
Carter Ill, Karen Carter. Rear row: Patricia Olson, Lawrence Olson, Effie Carter, Julie- 


ann Carter, Ann Carter, Marvin Carter, David Carter. 


tom—Catherine Lyda. 


Inserts: Top—Robert Lyda. Bot- 


¥ 
a a 
es — yy : 
Ft ~ fer. 


we Se 
ay ? ; ue 


HISTORY OF MR. & MRS. 
LEWIS B. CARTER 


Lewis Bruce Carter was born in Allen 
Co. Kentucky, Sept. 6, 1925 to John 
Henry & Tula (King) Carter. He has 2 
sisters Mrs. Ralph (Ruby) Jent, of 
Plant City, Fla. Mrs. Willord (Ocei) 
Brawner of Holland, Ky. He has 2 liv- 
ing brothers Everett of Woodbrun, Ky. 
and John Rondel of Arthur III. In 1955 
he had a brother killed in Plant City, 
Fla. Sammie Haywood. 

Lewis father died when he was about 
2 years old. After the death of his moth- 
er he left Allen Co. Ky. in 1941 to live 
with his sister and her family in Doug- 
las Co. Ill. Ralph & Ruby Jent. 

In Oct. 1942 the Jents and Lewis 
moved to Porter Co. Ind. to work on 
the Eagle Elm Farm south east of 
Kouts. Oct. 1944 he went to work at 
Ind. General in Valparaiso. Dec. 20, 
1944 Lewis was called to service his 
great country as many young men. He 
was in the Army, serial no. 35 966 363, 
Aug. 10, 1946 he received an Honor- 
able Discharge. 

Lewis is a member of the Church of 
Christ in Valparaiso. He has been ac- 
tive in the work of the church. 

He enjoys camping very much. 

In 1944 he married Mary Louise 
Baum, one of 7 children of Leland By- 
ron and Minnie (Stotle) Baum. Leland 
Jr. (Bud), Robert Francis, Harry Leroy, 
Loretta Mae, Vernon Howard, & Larry 
Gerald. All are living near Valparaiso. 

Mary was born and raised in Malden, 
Indiana Porter Co. Feb. 28, 1928. The 
Baum family has been in Porter Co. 
Ind. since 1835 when James Baum set- 
tled here. Mary is also a member of 
the Valparaiso Church of Christ. 


For 17 years she cooked at the Un- 
ion Center Schoo! in Union Twp. Her 
hobbies would be baking and decorat- 
ing wedding cakes, and oil painting. 

We have 2 daughters. Carol Joyce 
born Dec. 25, 1944 in Valparaiso. Car- 
ol went to Wheeler High School & 
Humboldt Institute, Minneapolis, Minn. 
She is married to Lon E. Fox son of Mr. 
and Mrs. Lon R. Fox of Ashville, N.C. 
Carol & Lon have a daughter Loretta 
Lee. They live in Adrian, Mich. 


Sherry Jane was born April 5, 1949 
in Valparaiso. She also went to Wheeler 
High School & Harding College in Sear- 
cy, Ark. for 3 years. At this time she 
is living in Lombard, III. 


Carol and Sherry both have been 
baptized into Christ. 


Carolyn Rippie made her home with 
us for a few years. We love her very 
much. Carolyn married Richard Mc- 
Bride in Valparaiso. Their home is near 
Charlotte N.C. They both are very active 
Christians, working with the Westside 
Church of Christ in Charlotte. Carolyn 
and Rick have 3 sons, Triston, Scott 
and Todd. 


We have lived in Union Twps. since 
1953. 


THE DONALD G. CASBON 
FAMILY 


Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Casbon have 
lived in Valparaiso since their marriage 
in 1947. Mr. Casbon is the son of Amos 
and Carrie B. (Aylesworth) Casbon and 
was born in Porter Twp in 1913. His 
maternal ancestors were old settlers in 
Boone Township. His father was born 
in England and came to the USA with 
his parents when two years of age. Mrs. 
Casbon is the former Marjorie Rigg, 
daughter of Glenn W. and Ruth (Adams) 
Rigg. She, too, was born in Porter Twp. 
in 1915 and is the great granddaughter 
of William Rigg, who brought his fam- 
ily to live in Porter County in 1861. 

The Casbons are the parents of three 
children, namely, Joyce Christine, now 
married to John M. Knauff, a teacher in 
the Valparaiso Community schools, Car- 
ol Ruth and Jesse Ray. Both daughters 
were graduated from Michigan State 
University and Jesse is currently a stu- 
dent at Purdue University. 


Mr. Casbon is a 25 year employee of 
Urschel Lab. 


MR. & MRS. HARRY J. 
CASBON AND FAMILY 


Harry J. and Helen Louise Thatcher 
were married on November 24, 1927. 
Their married life was spent on a farm 
in the Boone Grove vicinity where Hel- 
len still lives. Harry J. passed away in 
1965. They are the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Harry Dale, Marjorie 
Lee, Philip J. and Lois Arlene who 
passed away in 1929 at the age of 8 
weeks. 

Harry Dale is married to the former 
Ruby Struble. They have four children. 
Karen Lee is a freshman at Winona 
State College in Minnesota. Robert 
Dale, John David and Sandra Lynn are 
students at Boone Grove School. Their 
home is on R.R. #1, Hebron, Indiana. 

Marjorie Lee is married to G. Robert 
McIntyre. They are parents of three 
children: Steven, Robert, Debra Ann 
and Carol Louise and have one grand- 
daughter, Shannon Marie. The Mclin- 
tyres live on a farm near Rensselaer, 
Indiana. 

Philip J. is married to the former 
Sharon Murphy. They are the parents 
of two children, Kerri Ann and Chris- 
topher Scott, who are students at 
Boone Grove School. Their home is 
on R.R. #2, Valparaiso, Indiana. 

Helen and her children, Harry D., 
Philip J. and Marjorie Lee, also daugh- 
ter-in-law Ruby and son-in-law G. Rob- 
ert McIntyre are graduates of the Boone 
Grove High School. 
Sharon Murphy Casbon is a graduate 
of Hebron High School. 

Harry J. was born to Amos J. and 
Carrie Belle Aylesworth Casbon. He 
had three sisters and five brothers. Ada, 
Berlyn, Vernon, Neva, Herbert, Donald, 
Doris and Delbert. Both parents are de- 
ceased, also Doris and Berlyn. 

Parents of Helen were Carlton E. 
Thatcher, Jr. and Leora Dye Thatcher, 
both deceased. Helen has one brother, 
Robert W. Thatcher. 


Daughter-in-law . 


THOMAS S. CASBON 


Sylvester Casbon, father of Charles 
A., Lawrence A., Thomas S., Charles P. 
and George N. was born in the village of 
Maldreth, ten miles from the Univer- 
sity town of Cambridge, England. When 
a young boy his parents and family left 
England in a Canadian boat Parkfield 
in February arriving at the Banks and 
sailed up the St. Lawrence River. At 
Niagara they transferred to horse cars 
then in use. From Buffalo they took an- 
other boat to Cleveland, Ohio, arriv- 
ing in the month of May. After several 
years they moved to Porter County, In- 
diana. 

Thomas S. Casbon, a _ progressive 
farmer near Deep River, Lake County 
married Miss Ella A. Downs of Hebron. 
From this union was born three chil- 
dren. M. Ruth, Hugh S. and George P. 
In 1910 Mr. Casbon and family moved 
to a farm near Valparaiso and a few 
years later moved to a large farm near 
Burdick. 

The Casbon family was active mem- 
bers of the Christian Church in Deep 
River and Burdick. By his thriftiness 
Mr. Casbon became the owner of a 
large farm in Union Township. Until 
his retirement in 1916 he was counted 
among the ablest of Porter County 
farmers. The family moved to Valpa- 
raiso where they enjoyed the comforts 
of city life in their home on Monroe 
Street and their cottage at Bass Lake, 
Stark County, Indiana. Mr. Casbon 
joined Chequeuk Lodge #56 and Can- 
ton #27 Patriarchs Militant, branches 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. Mrs. Casbon was a member of 
the Ladies Auxiliary of Canton #27, 
Patriarchs Militant, a member and Past 
Oracle of Camp 3122 Royal Neighbors 
of America, and secretary of the Indi- 
ana Department Auxiliary Sons of Un- 
ion Veterans of the Civil War. Mrs. Cas- 
bon passed away November 29, 1936 
and Mr. Casbon March 16, 1956. Their 
daughter Mabel Ruth is retired and re- 
sides at the home on Monroe Street, 
Hugh S. passed away at the age of 29, 
leaving a son and daughter. George P. 
is retired and lives in Gary on Ash Aven- 
ue. He and his wife are parents of three 
children. 


87 


88 


JAMES AND RUTH 
CAVANAUGH 


Ruth and James Cavanaugh were 
united in marriage at St. Paul’s Catho- 
lic Church. (One of the first to be mar- 
ried in the new church.) 


Ruth came from Boone Grove, a Por- 
ter County resident all her life. Jim was 
born in Lake County and resided there 
for four years upon moving with his 
family to Valparaiso to 606 Franklin 
Street, known as the Christy homeplace 
to the older people of Valparaiso. The 
home at 606 Franklin was his grand- 
parents and their parents. The Cava- 
naugh’s are the parents of three chil- 
dren, David Lee 4 years, Richelle 
Jeanne 2 years and Anthony Jesse 5 
months at the time of this writing. 

Ruth is active in Democrat party 
holding various offices and also active 
in DAR of Valparaiso, formerly holding 
the position of treasurer. Ruth belongs 
to the Porter Co. Assoc. for Retarded 
Citizens and a member of the Trinity 
Lutheran Church. 

James was locally employed most 
of his life, a democrat and a member 
of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. 

James Cavanaugh’s grandfather was 
one of the City’s first mail carriers. 
His grandfather was Arthur Burnett 
Christy. 

Jim served in the armed forces and 
in town is an avid golfer and bowler. 

The Cavanaugh home was recently 
the scene of a wedding of Mrs. Cava- 
naugh’s brother in 1971. 


CHARLSON FAMILY (VICTOR) 


Anna Sophie Swanson was born in 
Hvena Socken, Kalmar Lan, Sweden. 
She married Carl Charlson in 1860. 
Here two daughters, Christine (Mrs. 
Swan P. Carlson) and Ida (Mrs. Wm. 
Chellberg) were born. In 1868 they 


came to America and settled near Ho- 
bart, Ind., where twin children were 
born, Charles Charlson and Hilma 
(passed away in infancy). In 1869 her 
first husband, Carl Charlson died. In 
1870 she was married to John Charl- 
son, a brother of Carl. They then moved 
close to what is now known as Fulton 
Road near Lake Michigan (now known 
as Miller). While there, one son Victor 
Charlson was born. From there they 
moved to Forsythe, now called Gary, 
Ind. Here two children were born, Hil- 
da (Mrs. Victor Samuelson) and Oscar 
Charlson. About 1884, they moved to 
Baillytown where they lived their en- 
tire life. They were members of Augs- 
burg Lutheran Church of Porter, Ind. 
since 1892. Anna and John Charlson 
are buried in the Burstrom Cemetery. 
Carl Charlson was buried in what is 
now called Blake Cemetery near Gary- 
ton, Ind. 

When Victor Charlson was a young 
boy he recalled how the New York Cen- 
tral Railroad stopped their trains at 
Dunes Park Station and he helped load 
On cut lumber to be used as fuel for 
the train so it could continue on to 
Chicago. 

Victor Charlson and Anna Wistrand 
were married in 1901 at the Swedish 
Augsburg Lutheran Church of Porter. 
They lived in the August Wistrand home 
with their six children and Grandma 
Charlotte Wistrand, where Victor 
farmed the land. He was also a School 
bus driver (horse driven canvas bus) 
and later was a Road Supervisor on 
both the Porter County and Indiana 
State Highways. 

They were life long members of the 
Augsburg Lutheran Church of Porter 
and are buried in the Burstrom Ceme- 
tery. 

The children of Anna and Victor 


Charlson are Vincent (passed away in 
infancy, Alvin E. Charlson, Elvera (Mrs. 
Roy L. Peterson) (passed away 1947), 
Eleanor (Mrs. J. Irvin Benson), Edith 
(Mrs. George Martinson), Dr. Vernon 
R. Charlson, Marian Edquist (Mrs. Evar 
Edquist). 


THE PAUL CHELLBERG FAMILY 


The Paul Chellberg family began its 
history in Porter County in the 1860's. 


His descendants were fishermen and 
farmers and his father, Walter, is a 
machinist. Paul and Marian (Hockel- 
berg) were married in 1952. Wendy, 
Scott and Robin were born to this un- 
ion. Wendy died in 1974 and Robin in 
1975. Paul is a CPA, Marian is a book- 
keeper and Scott is a freshman in col- 
lege. 


JAMES AND MAE CHESTER 


James W. Chester and his wife Mae 
(Fitzgerald from New Vernon, Indiana) 
live in Forest Park and have a son, 
James Warren Chester, who is also 
practicing law in Valparaiso. 

| was born in Dwight, Illinois April 
4, 1911, of Warren Pau! Watkins, (a 
veteran of the Spanish American War) 
and Ella Louise (nee Chester). | lived 
with my maternal grandparents on a 
farm in Morgan Township. My grand- 
mother adopted me when | was 4 at 
the death of my mother. 


| attended grade school in Morgan 
at the Adams one room school with 
Dora Stoner the teacher. We moved to 
Valpo and | attended Gardner School, 
and then Central. The farm was sold 
around 1918 and grandfather entered 
the hardware business, Chester & Son, 
where Krudup & Benton and then Ben- 
ton’s Hardware were. 


| graduated from Valparaiso High 
School in 1931 and enrolled in pre-law 
at Valparaiso University. Graduated 
from Valpo law school in 1935 by 
doubling up on courses during the 
year and taking summer courses at 
lowa University Law School. | was in- 
spired to take law by my grandmother’s 
brother, who was Congressman James 
G. Strong from Blue Rapids, Kansas, 
for many, many years. He was Chair- 
man of the House Banking and Finance 
Committee. My grandmother was cam- 
paign manager for Will R. Wood, U.S. 
Congressman, and in my time | served 
for 6 years as campaign manager for 
Charles Halleck, our Republican Con- 
gressman. 


| passed the bar in 1935 and went 
to work for Grant Crumpacker as a 
clerk. Then | went to work for Lewis 
Keller for deputy county clerk. He was 
like a father to me. | then decided to 
run for prosecutor with the backing of 
Lewis Keller, Bill Forney, Judge Jen- 
sen and Judge Rockwell. After serving 


as prosecuting attorney for 4 years, | 
decided to go into private practice and 
joined E. J. Ryan in 1949 and was as- 
sociated with him until his death in 
1951. | have been practicing law in Val- 
paraiso for 40 years. 

| have been on the hospital board 
for 11 years, now vice chairman. | am 
a 32nd degree Mason and belong to 
most all. the bodies, also a member of 
the First United Methodist Church. | 
was president of Northern Indiana Bank 
and Trust Company, formerly Farmers 
State Bank, from 1960 to 1966, and 
now Chairman of the Board. * * * Mr. 
Chester passed away December 10, 
1975. Attached is a brief tribute from 
the Board of Directors of Northern In- 
diana Bank & Trust Co. 


JAMES W. CHESTER 
1911-1975 


With profound regret and the know- 
ledge that we have lost a true friend 
and valued advisor, we the Directors of 
The Northern Indiana Bank and Trust 
Company hereby record our deep sor- 
row on the death of James W. Chester 
on December 10, 1975. 


Dynamic and vital, he gave of himself 
without limit and earned wide and abid- 
ing respect as attorney, politician and 
civic leader. His interests were wide in 
scope and he played a major part in 
the business and industrial and com- 
munity life of Porter County and in the 
affairs of the State of Indiana. 


Always thoughtful and generous, he 
had a deep interest in people in all 
walks of life and of all ages. His cour- 


age, energy and strength of character 
made association with him a privilege 
not often equaled in personal or busi- 
ness relationships. 


In his eighteen years as a member of 
this Board of Directors, his loyalty, 
keen perception and sound judgment 
formed a steady bulwark of strength 
which will be long remembered. He was 
a wise counselor and a good friend. His 
loss will be profoundly felt. 


MYRICK CRAMPTON 


Myrick Brooks Crampton (Mike) son 
of Wade and Barbara Crampton, was 
born and raised in Steuben County, In- 
diana and graduated from Pleasant 
Lake, High School, Pleasant Lake, In- 
diana. He attended the Indiana State 
Police School at Indiana University in 
1937, was appointed and assigned to 
Dunes Park Post, Chesterton, Indiana 
September 1, 1937. 

In 1938, he married Dorothy Eschen- 
bach, daughter of Raymond and Mar- 
tha Echenbach who owned and oper- 
ated Eschenbach’s Restaurant in Ches- 
terton. 

Mike stayed in Porter County and 
during his 28 years as a State Police- 
man, he saw many changes in this area. 
He had extensive training in all phases 
of police work and he retired from the 
state police in 1965. 

After working in plant protection at 
Midwest steel for a year, he decided to 
run for, and was elected Sheriff of Por- 
ter County. 

The old jail was in sad condition and 
the county decided it was worth fixing, 
so that was done. Also during his first 
term, the merit system was started as- 
suring the deputies of continuing ser- 
vice and a pension plan. The depart- 
ment was up-dated and new deputies 
were added and trained. 

Mike ran unopposed for the second 
term and it was during this time that 
the new Porter County Jail was built. 
Much research was done before the 
final plans were consummated. The new 
jail was finished and occupied Janu- 
ary of 1973 and is the finest of its kind 
in Indiana. 

Mike has served his community as 
past president of the Chesterton Lion's 
Club of Chesterton and Past District 
Deputy Governor of District 25-A. He 
is a member of the Masonic Lodge, 


Scottish Rite and Shrine (Orak Tem- 
ple), Moose, Elks and the Fraternal 
Order of Police. He was the organizer 
and first president of the State Park 
Little League and is a counsellor for 
the Boy Scouts. 

The Cramptons have three children, 
Kay Goldsworthy (John) who lives in 
Dayton, Ohio and has two children, 
William 13 and Katherine 11, Raymond 
Wade and wife Diane who live in War- 
ren, New Jersey and have three boys, 
Myrick 13, Raymond John 3 and Eric 
Scott one month, Barbara is the young- 
est, a junior at Valparaiso University, 
the student director of the Crusader- 
ettes and a featured twirler with the 
band. 

Dorothy has been active in her com- 
munity also. She was the first presi- 
dent of Beta Gamma Upsilon Sorority, 
Alpha Rho Chapter of Chesterton, and 
a past national President of the soror- 
ity. She is a past president of the Ches- 
terton Woman’s Club, Porter County 
Federation of Clubs and Past District 
President of 10th District, Indiana Fed- 
eration of Clubs. She has been cam- 
paign director and president of the Por- 
ter County March of Dimes for the past 
25 years. 

Currently she is President of the Val- 
paraiso Woman’s Club and the Porter 
County Cancer Society, member of the 
Board of Directors of the Westchester 
branch of the YMCA and a member of 
the Porter County Bi-Centennial com- 
mittee. 


RICHARD AND IRENE 
CLAUSSEN 


We opened our Flower Shop in the 
spring of 1962. It was a new and ex- 
citing experience for all of us. | went 
to the American Floral Art School in 
Chicago, and then worked for Brands 
Flowers in Rensselaer. Mr. Brand was 
kind enough to help me by letting me 
work in his shop and teaching me more 
by doing the work, and | thank him. 
When we started in ‘‘1962’’ we remod- 
eled one half of our garage and made 
it into the Flower shop. We wanted to 
have the business at home as we had 
the four children and with Richard hav- 
ing a full time job away from home | 
needed to be here with them. We. soon 
found out that it was a lot of work, and 
confinement and that our time was not 
our own. We soon adjusted our selves 
with the children and the shop. In a 


89 


90 


few years we had to have more room 
so we remodeled the whole downstairs 
for the shop. We could use more room 
but for now we will leave it as it is, 
maybe some day we will build on or 
get a larger building. Time will tell. 


The seasonal things like Easter, 
Mother’s Day, Proms, Graduation and 
Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Valen- 
tines Day and the Winter Cemetery dec- 
orations like the pillows and the blan- 
kets, also Decoration Day are the busy 
times thru the year. 

We like to specialize in ‘‘Wedding 
Work”’ all styles and sizes because they 
are planned ahead. We also do arrange- 
ments for Birthday’s—Anniversaries— 
Thank-you — Hospitals —- Graduation 
— Just Because | Love You — Just Be- 
cause You’re You—Funeral—All kinds 
of corsages and hand bouquets— 
Really it is Flowers for all occasions, no 
matter how large or small. These are 
done in fresh cut flowers, blooming 
plants, green planters, dish gardens 
with green plants and fresh or artificial 
mixed in for decorations. We also have 
all kinds of artificial and dried arrange- 
ments, we make special orders in the 
style and colors you want if we don’t 
have it. We have terrariums and the 
macrame hangers and the hanging 
pots. For Decoration Day we have fresh 
and artificial made up for the ceme- 
tery, for winter we have the blankets 
and pillows of greens and decorated for 
the cemetery. 


In the spring of ‘'76’’ we will be 
starting our 14th year. When we first 
started | worked alone. Then | had 
Marge Urban help me out a little, they 
moved away, and the kids and Richard 
(Red) helped when they could. | was 
really lucky one day when Bernice 
Whited came to work with me, her hus- 
band is Alvin. They have a girl, Robin 
who is in college and a son Dave at 
home, they live in Kouts also. Bernice 
is a wonderful person and is a real good 
designer for all of the shop work. | 
have to say she is my right hand and 
| could never do it without her. She 
has worked for me for 6 years in March 
and | know she was God sent. All of 
our family work when they can in tak- 
ing orders, making up and in deliveries. 

Richard has his job as Porter County 
Weights and Measures Inspector of 
Porter Co. This is checking all the 
scales and gas pumps to see the cus- 
tomer and the owner get the right 
weight and measure, also checking all 
pre-packaged foods etc. to see the 
weight is right. He does help out part 
time when he has to and on Saturday 
and Sundays and evenings. 

Curtis Lee was 15 when we started 
the shop, he is now 28 and is married 
to Donna Berndt from Kouts. They live 
in Valparaiso, Donna works for Dr. 
Makovsky and Curt works for Urschel 
Laboratories Inc. 

Dennis Eugene was 13 years old 
when we started the shop and is now 


26. He has graduated from college and 
has his Masters in Business Adminis- 
tration — Real Estate and Brokerage li- 
cense and is still taking some classes 
in college. He is working for the First 
National Bank of Chicago in large con- 
struction loans. He is not married, but 
has a girl Bonny Banik of Whiting, now 
of Chicago. 

Vicki Lynn was 10 years old and is 
now 23. She is married to Kip Kerns of 
Wheatfield and they are now living in 
Kouts. Kip is manager of Heinold’s 
Citgo gas station in Kouts. They have 
a little baby girl (Karma Rachelle) who 
was born on July 20th, 1975. 

Cindy Jo was 6 years old and is now 
19. She is finishing her schooling and 
working. She really likes green plants 
and hopes some day to have her own 
green plant shop or flower shop. 

We belong to the St. Paul’s Lutheran 
Church in Kouts. Richard belongs to 
the Kouts American Legion. We belong 
to the Kouts Chamber of Commerce. 
We like Kouts very much and think it 
is a good place to live for the young 
and the old. 

Come on in and look around. If we 
don’t have what you want, we will try 
and do our best to get it. We aim to 
please and try to treat you like we like 
to be treated. We do have many won- 
derful customers and friends and we 
do appreciate it and we Thank each 
and every one of you. God bless you 
One and all, and have a good ’76. 

Richard and Irene Claussen 
and Bernice Whited 


CHARLES T. CLIFFORD 


Charles T. Clifford is a great, great, 
grandson of Patrick T. Clifford, who 
immigrated to Porter County from 
County Cork, Ireland. Patrick T. Clifford 
and his construction company built 
many miles of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road and Nickle Plate Railroad through 
Porter County, Indiana. 

Frank M. Clifford, father of Charles 
T. Clifford, was Secretary-Treasurer of 
Foster Lumber & Construction Com- 
pany, Inc. This company built many of 
the fine homes and commercial build- 
ings in the Valparaiso area, including 
the rebuilding of the Porter County 
Courthouse, which was partially de- 
stroyed by fire in the 1930s. The home 
currently occupied by the Clifford fam- 
ily was one of the last homes built by 


Pr = 


Frank M. Clifford prior to his death. 

Charles T. Clifford was a Naval Lieu- 
tenant in World War Il, serving both 
in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. 
Following the war he received his law 
degree from Valparaiso University and 
established a practice in Valparaiso, 
with Edward J. Ryan and James W. 
Chester, under the firm name of Ryan, 
Chester & Clifford. Charles T. Clifford 
is now senior partner in the firm of 
Clifford, Hoeppner, Houran, Wagner & 
Evans, one of the largest law firms in 
the Valparaiso area. 

In 1947 Charles T. Clifford was mar- 
ried to Nedra Olson of Fort Dodge, 
lowa. Mrs. Clifford was a graduate of 
Valparaiso University and is Past Presi- 
dent of the lota Chapter of Kappa, Kap- 
pa, Kappa, an Indiana sorority promot- 
ing charity, culture and education. Mrs. 
Clifford was a member of the Vale Day 
School Board at the time the Vale Day 
School was planned and built. The 
Cliffords have three children, David, 
Linda and Paul. All are members of 
St. Paul’s Catholic Church. 

Charles T. Clifford has served as 
President of the Porter County Bar 
Association, and as a director of the 
Chamber of Commerce, board member 


of Rotary Club, and numerous civic or- 
ganizations. In his legal practice he 
has spent many years as_ attorney for 
Bethlehem Steel Corporation in its as- 
semblage of Bethlehem’s Burns Harbor 
Plant on the shores of Lake Michigan. 
This plant is destined to be one of the 


largest steel mills in the 


world. 


integrated 


WALTER H. COBURN 


Name—Walter H. Coburn. Wife, 
Harriett (VanDeventer) Coburn, came 
to Porter County as pastor of the Boone 
Grove Christian Church. Retired Jan. 
1, 1961. In 1961 removed to residence 
purchased in 1958 on Co. Rd. 450S, 
In Hurlburt, a former town on the Erie- 
Laskawana R.R. Born, 1895. St. Joe, 
Ind. 

Walter /Educated in public schools of 
DeKalb, Co., Ind. Grad. Spencerville 
H.S. 1914. Drake U., Des Moines, la. 
1922, Bachelor of Sacred Literature, 
Phillips U., Enid, Okla., 1930, A.B., 
Christian Theological Seminary, 1948, 
Bachelor of Divinity, 1949. Butler Uni- 
versity Graduate School. 

Harriett, Born Mound City, Mo. 
1922. Educated schools in Mound City, 


Wray, Colo., Graduated Perham HS. 
1918. College, Drake U., Des Moines, 
la. and Phillips U., Enid, Okla. For 
many years was active in Religious Edu- 
cation work in Disciple of Christ 
churches and others. Was ordained in 
1943 and acted as pastor of church, 
Rich Valley Christian Church—now 
Northview Christian, Kokomo, Ind. Six 
children, a foster daughter, Annamae 
(Level) Adams, Barquisemento, Vene- 
zuela, S. A.; Walter V., Olathe, Kansas; 
Fdver W., Plymouth, Ind., J. Franklin, 
Yakima, Wash.; F. Marion Port of Spain, 
Trinidad, W. |.; Audrey J., Chesterton, 
Ind. 


Hobbies wife and |: Camping, gar- 
dening, fishing. Harriett, Crochet; self: 
Hooked rugs and embroidery. Fill pul- 
pit in area for ministers absent. Other- 
wise retired. 


Se 1h oe. 49 
P= 2A A ‘ a 
LG ak Pe i 


STEVE L. COLLINS FAMILY 


It took 153 years, after Indiana be- 
came a State, before someone from 
the populous north end of Porter Coun- 
ty was elected to the Indiana General 
Assembly. 

Performing this feat was the honor- 
able Steve L. Collins, Indiana State 
Representative. General Assemblyman 
honorable Steve L. Collins was elected 
in the year 1972, and served with dis- 
tinction in the House of Representa- 
tives. He immediately became co-chair- 
man of the powerful House Labor Com- 
mittee, and served with distinction dur- 
ing his term of office (years 1973 and 
1974). 

It is his law, the Collins Act of 1973, 
which permits a right turn on a red 
light the length and breadth of the en- 
tire State. 

Steve L. Collins and Anne his wife, 
live in Portage Township; and they have 
3 sons and one daughter. 


9] 


92 


Steve L. Collins is a steelworker and 
began employment at Inland Steel Com- 
pany, initially as a metallurgical Engi- 
neer and subsequently as a safety En- 
gineer. 

Fifteen years ago, when National 
Steel broke ground for its new plant 
in Porter County, he took advantage of 
the employment opportunity. 

At that time he set up the Health and 
Safety program at the Midwest Steel 
Division as its General Supervisor of 
Safety, Training and Community Rela- 
tions. 

He is in his fourth year as Midwest 
Steel’s Director of Public Affairs. 


BACKGROUND 
|. EDUCATION 
1. Chemical Engineer—Wright 
College 
2. Ph. B. — Northwestern 
University 
Il. CIVIC 
1. Governor’s representative, 
Northern Indiana Plan 


Commission (1975) 
2. Deacan, Presbyterian 
Church (1975-1977) 


3. Board of Directors, United Way 
Porter County (1974-1977) 
4. Board of Directors, St. Mary 
Hospitals, Hobart and 
Gary (1970-1976) 
5. Board Secretary, Young Men’s 
Christian Association 
(1968-1974) 
6. Porter County Extension 
_ Advisory Board (1975-1977) 
7. Rotary Club President, 
Portage 
8. Elected Precinct 
Committeeman (3 terms) 
(1970-1976) 
9. Elected Town Board 
President 
10. Elected Indiana State 
Representative (1973 & 1974) 
11. Board of Directors, Portage 
Chamber of Commerce 
(1968-1971) 
12. Indiana Commissioner on 
Safety Standards (1971-1973) 
Ill. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 
1. American Society of Safety 
Engineers 
2. Member of Public Affairs Task 
Force, United State Chamber 
of Commerce jointly with 
National Association of 
Manufacturers 


(1972) 


(1971) 


3. Citizenship Participation 
Committee member, Indiana 
State Chamber of Commerce 

4. Public Affairs Committeeman, 
Indiana Manufacturers 
Association 

5. General Chairman, National 
Safety Council’s Metals 
Section. Charter-President, 
Tri-State chaplain, American 
Society of Safety 


THE GALE C. CORLEY FAMILY 


Gale C. and Lillian Corley came to 
Porter County on their wedding day, 
September 12, 1937, to live briefly in 
Hebron, then move to Valparaiso in Jan- 
uary, 1938, while Gale was manager 
of farms scattered from LaPorte County 
to Joliet. Gale was from Cowden, Illi- 
nois and Lillian from Clinton, Illinois, 
graduates of their local schools and la- 
ter students at the University of Illinois, 
where Gale graduated in 1936. 

The farm management soon evolved 
into a real estate business and that into 
homebuilding with special interest in 
prefabrication. National Construction 
Corp. was the major company founded 
by Gale Corley. He completed 27 sub- 
divisions in Porter, LaPorte and Lake 
counties, building more than 3000 
homes plus other buildings. Profess- 
ionally he served as president of the 
Valparaiso Board of Realtors, several 
homebuilders’ organizations including 
the Home Builders Association of In- 
diana of which he was a life director, 
On committees of the National Associa- 
tion of Home Builders, and was a mem- 
ber of other related associations. He 
served on the Valparaiso Plan Commis- 
sion for five years, and was on the ad- 
visory committee for Beatty Memorial 
Hospital at the time of his death Sep- 
tember 29, 1973. 

As a volunteer Gale was involved with 
work for the first stage of Porter Mem- 
Orial Hospital, the Jaycees’ ‘‘It Pays to 
Play’’ program which later became the 
Valparaiso Park System, the Porter 
County YMCA’s original construction, 
the nine-hole addition to the Forest 
Park golf course, and years of prelim- 
inary work for Porter-Starke Services, 
Inc. Other activities included serving 
as president of the Valparaiso Chamber 
of Commerce, the Jaycees (receiving 
the first Distinguished Service Award), 
the Porter County YMCA, Porter-Starke 


Services, Inc. and the Mathesis Club. 
He served many years with the Girl 
Scout camp building program, was a di- 
rector of the Porter County Guidance 
Clinic, a member of Rotary, the Amer- 
ican Legion and the Saturday Evening 
Club, and was both elder and trustee of 
the First Presbyterian Church. During 
World War Il he served five years with 
the 1st and 8th Armored Divisions, half 
of that time as a major in the 88th Re- 
connaissance Squadron, which he even- 
tually commanded. 

Lillian Corley has been associated 
with her husband’s business for many 
years and is continuing with it since 
his death. She has been president of 
the Valparaiso Girl Scout Council, the 
East Lake-Porter Counties Girl Scout 
Council, Chapter J.P.E.0., and the 
Presbyterian Women’s Association as 
well as president of Indiana State Chap- 
ter, P.E.O., and was a director of the 
Community Concert Association for 
twelve years. Presently she is on the 
board of directors of Porter-Starke Ser- 
vices, Inc. and chairman of the board of 
trustees of the Program for Continuing 
Education of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an 
international organization for women. 
She is listed in WHO’S WHO OF AMER- 
ICAN WOMEN. 

There are two daughters in the Cor- 
ley family. Dr. Sue Ann Peyton (Mrs. 
John D.) is a physiologist with the Ohio 
State Agricultural Experiment Station at 
Wooster, Ohio, where she lives with her 
husband and two sons, James David 
and Robert Thomas Peyton. Dr. Ellen 
Corley is Acting Dean of the Evening 
Divisions of Northwestern University 
and lives in Valparaiso and Evanston, 
Illinois. Both daughters are graduates 
of the Valparaiso schools. 


THE LESTER CORNETT FAMILY 


Lester Cornett married the former 
Marion McKnight October 25, 1946. 
They are parents of five children: 

Terri (1949) is married to Chuck 
Hardt. They live at the Sands Trailer 
Court, R.R. #6, Valparaiso. Terri 
worked for Mike Crampton when he 
was sheriff and now works as secretary 
for First Methodist Church in Valpa- 
raiso. Chuck is a school teacher and 
sings in a gospel quartet. They have 
three children: Tim, 8, Dawn 5 and 
David 3. 


Cathy (1952) lives at home and 
works in the office of Dunes Volkswag- 
en in Gary. 

Ronald (1954) lives at home. He 
attended Indiana University and now 
works at Bethlehem Steel. 

Cindy (1957) is now going to Hunt- 
ington College. She worked for Dr. 
Speckard at the Chesterton School dur- 
ing the summer. 

Shirlee (1959) is a junior at Chester- 
ton High School. The other children all 
graduated from Liberty Township 
School, then Chesterton after the con- 
solidation of schools. We lived in Ho- 
bart where both of us graduated from 
High School. We moved to Wauhob 
Lake near Valparaiso in 1962. We still 
attend 1st Church of the Nazarene in 
Hobart. 

Lester Cornett belongs to carpenter 
Local 1005 and has been a member of 
their Union for 30 years. He has worked 
on jobs which included building Bethle- 
hem Steel, Midwest Steel, Nipsco Cool- 
ing Tower at Michigan City, Chesterton 
High School, and U. S. Steel Expansion. 
He has been supervisor as a foreman, 
general foreman and superintendent. 
He has also done some home construc: 
tion work throughout the area. 


ADAM F. COTTERMAN 


Among the old timers in Porter Coun- 
ty was the family of Adam F. Cotter- 
man. Mr. Cotterman was formerly from 
Dayton, Ohio and his wife from Yates 
City, Ill. The family lived in Knox Coun- 
ty, Ill. on a farm, where three of their 
children were born, namely, Roy, Ern- 
est and Muriel. In 1891 they migrated 
to the State of Washington where they 
homesteaded a farm. This ended with- 
in three years when the Columbia Riv- 
er, one of the swiftest in the country, 
flooded them out. They then returned 
to Knox County where Mr. Cotterman 
farmed. From there they moved to a 
farm near Boone Grove, Indiana, where 
three more children were born, namely 
Ezma and twin sons, Wade and Wayne. 
On St. Patrick’s Day in 1903 the fam- 
ily moved to the Leslie Skinner farm 
east of Valparaiso, where he and his 
son Ernest farmed the 500 acres farm 
for five years, at the end of which they 
purchased a residence just west of Val- 
paraiso, from there moving to 1003 
Oak St., Valparaiso, where they re- 


sided (mother and father) until they 
were deceased. 


Ernest Cotterman at one time was 
City Clerk, Treasurer having been ap- 
pointed in 1932 by Mayor Schenck to 
complete the term left vacant by the 
former official. He later ran for the 
same office and was elected to a four- 
year term. In 1938 he ran for Porter 
County Auditor and was elected to that 
office for a 4-year term, and was re- 
elected for another four-year term. He 
then was asked to again run for City- 
Clerk Treasurer, was elected to that 
post, from which he resigned in 1950 
following a heart attack. 


Of the original Cotterman family 
there are only two remaining; a daugh- 
ter, Ezma, and L. W. Cotterman. Wade 
is well Known in Porter County, having 
hauled milk from the surrounding farm- 
ers in Porter County for a good many 
years. 


All in all, the Cotterman family has 
resided in Porter County for 72 years. 


THE CRISMAN FAMILY 


In the words of Ray Crisman, (1874- 
1967), a lifelong Porter County resi- 
dent. 


My grandfather, Benjamin G. Cris- 
man, came to Porter County, Indiana 
in 1850 at the age of 34, with his wife 
Elizabeth and his family, consisting of 
Solomon, Isaac, Addison, Oliver, Hen- 
ry, Milton, Nancy and Clara. After he 
arrived here, he had 2 more children, 
Wesley and Eliza Jane. 


He had a farm of 260 acres in Port- 
age Township and his sons helped farm 
it until the Civil War. Isaac, Addison, 
and Oliver went to serve in Co. E. 73rd 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Grand Army 
of the Republic, and Henry, Milton, 
and Soloman stayed home and helped 
raise the crops. Isaac was with General 
Sherman on his march through Georgia. 
When they returned at the close of the 
War, Isaac moved to Crisman (now a 
part of Portage), which was named af- 
ter my Grandfather, and became its 
first Postmaster and owned its first 
store. Addison and Oliver continued to 
farm. 

My father, Milton, married Sarah 
Fifield in 1873, daughter of Benjamin 
Fifield of Union Township. In 1875 he 
bought 145 acres and a fine brick 
home, which was located diagonally to 


the new Portage High School. They had 
5 children; Raymond (myself), Ross, 
Grace, Leonard, and Verna. Verna died 
at the age of 4 from Scarlet Fever. | 
can remember that she waited on the 
steps every day for us to come in from 
the fields. Grace married George Lute, 
and had 4 children; Ben, Raymond, 
Howard and Verna. Leonard married 
Hattie Baring of Chicago, and had 3 
children; Walter, Anna, and Harry Leon- 
ard. Walter was a Judge in Porter Coun- 
ty for several years. Ross married Em- 
ma Wilson and had 4 children; Vera, 
Bess, Harold and Milton. 

Since there was no high school, | 
went to the Northern Indiana Normal 
School (now Valparaiso University). In 
1897, | bought a farm in Portage Town- 
ship (near the former NIKE Base). 
There weren't even any roads to it, and 
| had to bring supplies through the mud 
by horse and wagon. In the same year, 
| married Mary Ella Miles from West- 
ville, and had a family of 7 children; 
Ralph, Howard, Gladys, Mabel, Edith, 
Emery and Robert. 

One day in 1903 my father was com- 
ing to visit me, and his wagon was hit 
by a train at Bender’s Spur on Swan- 
son Road in Portage. He died as a re- 
sult of the injuries from that accident. 
| guess people haven’t changed much; 
some are still getting hit by trains. 

In 1927 | moved to Union Township 
and sold my Portage Township farm to 
my nephew, Ben. My daughter, Gladys, 
went to college in a one horse buggy, 
and became a school teacher. 

We had tractors in the 1930's, but 
| was still fond of my horses, and kept 
a team until 1950. | had one fast road 
team of blue roans, of which | was par- 
ticularly proud. 


Farm life was our life, and | started 
my sons as | started; milking the cows 
from age 5 onward. Everyone had their 
share of duties. 

| drove a car until | was 90, and as 
| look back, | hope everyone else in Por- 


ter County had as good a life as our 
family. 


THE DALKES OF 
PORTER COUNTY 


Submitted by Mrs. Carl (Winona) Dalke 

In 1880 fifteen year old Augusta 
Scholz came to America with her older 
sister, Anna, from Breslau, Germany. 
They came to the home of an uncle not 


93 


94 


: 


| ior } | 
el | } 
| ; ; 
= 
; i 


ul 


hd 


| 


~ ee 

te 

a 

| 

ra 

ay - aS « 

4 e : 
s 
_ ~~ 


Dalke Family: (front) Alfred Herman, Herbert John, (middle) Ida Louise, Michael, Augusta, 
Clara Ann, (back) Edward Hans, Fred Robert, Rose Christine, Carl August, and Gust 


Carl about 1910. 


far from a mill located on Salt Creek. 
The mill was owned by Bert and Jay 
Gossett. 

Little did the Scholz sisters know 
that before long they would marry and 
live on adjoining farms on the road now 
named the ‘Dalke Road.’ Anna married 
Frederick Hockelberg. April 24, 1885 
Augusta married Michael Dalke who 
was born in Hutta, Germany the son 
of Michael and Anna Elizabeth (Tetz- 
loff) Dalke on October 28, 1857. Young 
Michael was naturalized in Porter Coun- 
ty on October 11, 1880. 

When Michael and Augusta bought 
the Felker farm in 1890, there was a 
settlement near the Gossett Mill called 
Gossettsburg with a store, a post of- 
fice, a creamery, a school, a black- 
smith shop, the mill and the Gossett 
Cemetery. In this cemetery Henry Bat- 
ton is buried—the only Revolutionary 
War soldier buried in Porter County. 
Some of the Gossets buried here were 
relatives of John and Hannah (Hage- 
man) Busse. (John served as Post- 
master at Porter (formerly called Hage- 
man), Indiana for many years.) There 
was an impressive entrance at the gate 
of the cemetery as well as picnic tables 


and seats. The Busses came here often 
for a day of remembrance. 

At the turn of the century the pres- 
ent brick house was built and in 1910 
a barn was built by A. J. Babcock. The 
Dalkes added more land to the origi- 
nal farm—the two Gossett home places 
and twenty acres of the Gossett land 
across the road from the Dalke home. 

Augusta and Michael had six sons 
and four daughters. The family at- 
tended the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 
at McCool where the pastor was the 
Rev. J. E. Bescherer who served the 
parish for fifty years. The Dalkes were 
active in the work of the church since 
the parents were among the first mem- 
bers of the church. All but two of the 
Dalke children were confirmed by Rev. 
Bescherer. 

Michael died in 1914. As the other 
children married and left home, Fred 
(1891-1969) and Rose (1897-1966) 
stayed with their mother and continued 
farming. It was during this time that 
a large Slippery Elm located on the 
farm was named by the American For- 
estry Association as the National 
Champion in their big tree files. 

Gust married Grace Moore and did 


some farming, later coming to Valpa- 
raiso to live. They had two sons, Junior 
and Leslie, and seven daughters, Lois, 
Helen (Walter), Eleanore (Price), Eve- 
lyn (Copas), Betty (Carey), Vernette 
(Gutt) and Margery (Jacobs). At one 
time Gust with his brother, Edward, 
along with their sister, Clara, operated 
a grocery at Crocker which offered a 
horse-drawn delivery device for the sur- 
rounding community. They also oper- 
ated one of the first automobile agen- 
cies in the area handling the Dort car. 

Edward (1893-1965) and Carl were 
in the army during World War |. Carl 
was sent to France and was in the 
Meuse-Argonne Sector in active fight- 
ing at the time of the Armistice. Both 
belonged to the American’ Legion 
Charles Pratt Post 94 in Valparaiso 
where Carl filled all the chairs, and 
was elected Commander of the Veter- 
ans of World War | of which he was a 
charter member. 

Ed married Anna Tofte. They lived 
in Valparaiso where Ed worked at the 
Continental Diamond Fibre Company 
and the Lantz Manufacturing Company. 

Carl married Winona Babcock. They 
live in Valparaiso and he worked for 
the McGill Manufacturing Company. 
They had two children, Carwyn and 
Sharon (Crowder). 

Clara married Roy Babcock, a rail- 
road man at Crocker, Indiana. There 
were nine children in this home: Avis 
(Watters), Iris (Buczkowski), Robert, 
Donald, Edna (Lorenz), Louis, Everett 
(1921-1923), Gloria (Buczkowski) and 
Kenneth. 

Alfred married Helen Thatcher and 
they had a daughter, Rita (Tracy). Al 
worked in Valparaiso as a auto me- 
chanic beginning this work for Milton 
Take. 

Herbert (1906-1969) married Betty 
Broberg. They lived in Gary, Indiana 
where Herb worked in the mills. There 
were 3 children, Mrs. Dorthy Hager, 
Ernest Erickson and Edward Broberg. 

Ida (1889-1917) married Rufus La- 
Hayne and had two daughters—Ruth 
(Berrier) and Isabel (Wiseman). 

Elizabeth (1899-1900) died in in- 
fancy. 

Today the farms formerly owned by 
the two Scholz sisters belong to Dr. 
E. W. Griffith. Here stand his broad 
acres of tall corn high above Salt Creek 
which once powered the big red mill 
in the little settlement of Gossetsburg. 


JOHN F. DALY 


John F. Daly has lived at 503 Napo- 
leon street for the last sixteen years 
and is employed as a clerk at the local 
Post Office. He lives there with his 
wife Beverly, sons Tom, a student at 
Indiana University, majoring in French 
and History: James, working at The 
Anderson Company: Dan, a junior at 
“Valparaiso High School: Tim, a fourth 
grader at St. Paul’s Catholic School. 
Daughters, Pat, majoring in Special Ed- 
ucation at Ball State University: Rita, 
a freshman at Benjamin Franklin Jr. 
High: and Kathy, a seventh grader at 
St. Paul’s. One son Mike is married 
to the former Connie Herren. They are 
the parents of a baby daughter, Step- 
hanie. 

John was born at 502 Napoleon 
Street, across the street from where 
they now live. He lived there with his 
parents, except for the time he spent 
in the service during World War Il, un- 
til his mariage in 1952. His father C. P. 
Daly was born in Liberty Township as 
was his Grandfather. His Mother, Lucy 
Fox, came to Valparaiso to attend, what 
is now Valparaiso University in 1903 
from Ft. Wayne. It was there she met 
C. P. also attending the school at the 
time. 


Beverly was transferred to Valparaiso 
in 1950, from Michigan, to manage the 
local Montgomery Ward Catalog store. 
She has worked there on and off dur- 
ing the years since and is employed 
there at the present time as inventory 
clerk. 


GRANT DANIELS 


Tassinong—Porter County Indiana 
was the birthplace of Grant Daniels 
born August 24, 1901 the son of Milan 
and Susan (Stanley) Daniels. His par- 
ents spent most of their married life 
in Lake and Porter counties. Grant was 
one of five children born to them. Glenn 
and Florence who died quite young. 
Melissa was married to Edward Ander- 
son and Blanche who married Dewey 
Anderson. All were farmers and _ all 
are now deceased. 


In May 25, 1926 Grant was mar- 
ried to Ruby Maxwell, daughter of Len- 
zo and Louisa (Weiler) Maxwell of Por- 
ter Township (near Porter Crossroads). 


They began their married life in Leroy 
(Lake County) where he was employed 
with a contractor. But being a farmer 
at heart they soon moved to a farm 
which they rented for three years. Up- 
on the death of Mrs. Daniel’s father 
they purchased the homestead where 
she was born and which had been in 
her mothers (Weiler) family for two 
generations. They still reside there. 
They have one daugher. Doris Jean 
was born April 23, 1927. She attended 
school at Boone Grove for 12 years 
and Purdue University for one year. 
She is now married to Eugene W. Saun- 
ders a native of Valparaiso, and with 
their 2 children, Janice Lynn, 16 and 
Darrell Grant 15, live in New Jersey. 
Both children attend high school and 
Eugen is a chemist for Citgo Oil Com- 
pany in Cranberry, N.J. 


Besides farming and driving school 
buses for 34 years Grant served as 
Trustee of Porter Township for 8 years 
1959-1966. Under his leadership there 
were two additions built to the Boone 
Grove school. Due to ill health he re- 
tired and rented the farming land to 
a neighbor, but continues to live in 
the homestead. 


The Daniels have been members of 
the Salem United Methodist Church for 
many years. They continue to attend 
and support it as well as other com- 
munity activities. 

Mr. Daniels parents and grandpar- 
ents were all natives of Indiana. Mrs. 
Daniels maternal grandparents came to 
America from Wuertemburg, Germany 
and settled in Porter Township where 
they later attained a farm and her pa- 
ternal grandmother came from Pennsy|- 
vania. Her grandfather George Maxwell 
served in the Civil War, Co. B 151 In- 
fantry. He died at an early age from 
the wounds received in that war. 


HISTORY OF THE DAVIES 
FAMILY 
Aled Pierce Davies was born in 


Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales, and immi- 
grated to the United States in his eigh- 
teenth year on the R.M.S. CARINTHIA 
arriving in New York on October 7, 
1929. He worked in Toledo, Ohio, Chi- 
cago, New York and Washington, D.C., 
doing everything from factory work to 
selling toilet seats. He was a reporter 
for a newspaper and ended in public 
relations. He married Miss Mildred 


Kelly Tatum in Washington, D.C., on 
October 8, 1937. 

Mildred is a native of Woodbury, 
Tennessee, and is a lineal descendant 
of Sir George Hume, Bt., who arrived 
in Virginia in 1715, having been in- 
volved in the Jacobite Rebellion. He 
was assistant to the chief surveyor of 
William and Mary College and among 
other things was engaged by King 
George II as official surveyor of Orange 
County. He also taught George Wash- 
ington surveying. 

The Davies moved to the Midwest in 
July of 1940 when Aled joined the staff 
of the American Meat Institute in Chica- 
go. His immediate superior, the late 
Homer R. Davison, a resident of Jack- 
son Township, had suggested that In- 
diana was a good place to raise chil- 
dren after the birth of the Davies son 
Richard in 1941. 


Aled and Mildred bought a small 
house in Chesterton at 403 West Lin- 
coln Avenue in August 1942. They 
were transferred to Washington during 
the Second World War but retained 
their home in Chesterton. John, their 
second son, was born in Washington, 
D.C., on October 10, 1943. 


In August of 1947 they sold their 
home in Chesterton and moved to their 
present home, Bryn Awelon Farm in 
Jackson Township—(Welsh for the 
Hill of Breezes). 


This farm originally deeded in 1839 
was then the property of David B. Long 
and his wife Belle. When the Davies 
and their two boys moved to the farm 
there was no electric power and they 
depended on kerosene lamps and can- 
dles for light and on the windmill for 
water. They still live on the farm with 
their fourteenth dog, Beau and Siamese 
cat, Chin-Chin. 

Mildred with three other ladies es- 
tablished the Jackson Township P.T.A. 
and was den mother to the first Cub 
Scout Pack in the Township. The Davies 
were active in the Township Farm Bu- 
reau and Mrs. Davies served as Social 
and Educational Director of that group. 
Mildred was Republican Precinct Com- 
mitteewoman under John Alva Jones 
and loyally supported her husband 
when he served as Justice of the Peace 
and subsequently Republican Commit- 
teeman. Aled was also delegate for 
Jackson and Pine Townships to the Re- 
publican State Convention at Indianap- 


95 


96 


olis in 1948 and again 1952. He and 
his wife are still active in Republican 
Party affairs. Aled is also a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Porter- 
Starke Service, Inc., and also serves 
on the Executive Committee of the 
American Freedom from Hunger Foun- 
dation. 

The boys attended Jackson Town- 
ship School and Valparaiso High 
School. Richard, the eldest, unmarried, 
is teaching at Culver Military Academy. 
He attended the School of Foreign Ser- 
vice at Georgetown University, gradu- 
ated from DePauw University in Green- 
castle, Indiana in 1963 and did his 
teacher training at Valparaiso Univer- 
sity. Subsequently, he served in the 
U. S. Peace Corps in Panama; received 
his M.A. from the University of Wales, 
taught at Atlantic College in South 
Wales and was an assistant tutor. at 
Oxford University, England, where he 
is working on his D. Phil. During this 
time he also served as legislative aide 
to Congressman Earl F. Landgrebe. On 
the other side of the political ledger 
he served as one of the heads of Young 
Citizens for Humphrey in the 1968 
presidential campaign. 

John attended Lake Forest College 


and graduated from Valparaiso Uni- 
versity in 1965. He worked at the City 
News Bureau prior to serving in the 
U. S. Marine Corps. Subsequently he 
worked for Scripps-Howard News Bu- 
reau in Columbus, Ohio, before join- 
ing the staff of the Chicago Tribune in 
1968. He married Miss Bette Ann 
Rohse of Western Springs, Illinois in 
1970. They live in Darien, Illinois. He 
is manager of public relations for Wis- 
consin Steel Works, a Division of In- 
ternational Harvester Company in 
South Chicago, Illinois. 

For many years the Davies family 
raised sheep and horses on the farm 
and were famous for their Welsh Border 
Collie sheep dogs. 

Aled retired as Vice President of the 
American Meat Institute in February 
1974 but is still a consultant to the In- 
stitute and others. He is a law student 
at Valparaiso University. 

Mildred has long been active in 
church work having been several times 
a member of the board of the First 
Christian Church of Valparaiso where 
she and her mother, the late Mrs. Kelly 
Tatum, sang in the choir and were ac- 
tive in other musical circles. Mrs. Ta- 
tum taught voice and piano in Valpa- 


raiso and presented her pupils in reci- 
tal at the Valparaiso Womans Club. 
Mrs. Davies was one of the original 
members of the Duneland Chorus which 
was active in the Chesterton area. 
Submitted by Aled P. Davies 


DAVIS FAMILY 


My name is Jr. Davis. My family’s 
names are Gary, 17, Lola, 14, Jr. 10. 
Tracey, 7, Barbara, my mom, Ova my 
dad. | was born in Porter County. We 
moved to Porter County from Jasper 
County so my family would be closer 
to my dads work. My dad works with 
Ford Motor Company in Chicago. 
Nothing really. 


GLEN E. AND CLARA LOUISE 
DEAN 


Glen E. Dean was a lifelong resident 
of Valparaiso; born 1891—died 1971. 
The son of Lyman and Anna (Stalbaum) 
Dean, who were also lifetime residents 
of nearby counties and Valparaiso; fath- 
er, Lyman, who passed away in 1971 
at age of 101; mother, Anna, who 
passed away in 1965 at age 95. Mar- 
ried Clara Louise Brown in 1911; chil- 
dren—Leon R. Dean, living in Valpa- 
raiso; Dorothy M. (Dean) Scharbach 
now residing in Elmhurst, Illinois; seven 
grandchildren living (Richard and Mich- 
ael Dean, preceding him in death); five 
great-grandchildren. He was co-owner 
of Valparaiso Plumbing and Heating Co. 
for 47 years; member of St. Andrew’s 
Episcopal Church, Valparaiso, where he 
was a choir boy and continued to be 
active in choir and service as long as 
physically able; member of Elk’s Lodge 
No. 500 for 30 years; he served as a 
member of the board of directors of 
First Federal Savings and Loan of Val- 
paraiso for 26 years and as a member 
of its building committee which plan- 
ned the new structure at Washington 
and Lincolnway Sts. and to which he 
devoted his efforts to helping in its 
completion and realized his dream of 
its successful operation a few years be- 
fore his death. 


Clara Louise (Brown) Dean born in 
Jasper Co. in 1892 and moved to Val- 
paraiso when only a small child and 
where she has since resided; father, 
Jerome Brown, who passed away in 
1906 at age of 44; mother, Dorothea 
(Wiesemann) Brown, who passed away 


in 1947 at age of 83; maternal grand- 
parents; — Franz Wiesemann (1828- 
1911); emigrated to the U.S. in 1852 
from Germany and settled in LaPorte 
Co. until 1869 when he moved to Por- 


ter Co. and there resided until his 
death; Regina (Herr) Wiesemann (18??- 
1892); paternal grandparents; — 
George Brown (1828-1899); emigrated 
to U.S. from England in 1852; spent 
sometime in New York State and from 
there settled in Porter Co. where he 
soon began acquiring land in Jackson 
Township area where Indiana Toll Road 
is today; he was successful in his en- 
deavors of raising grain and livestock 
and built up his farm holdings; he also 
realized profits from quantities of cords 
of wood which his land yielded. In 1885 
he built a home in Chesterton, which 
is often referred to as The Brown Man- 
sion, and now owned by school corpora- 
tion and is presently Duneland School 
Headquarters. Mrs. Dean can recall 
many: features of the original home, 
stable, etc. and happy times spent 
there as small child.—Charity (Carter) 
Brown (1839-1895) whose _ parents 
were early Jackson Township settlers 
(paternal grandmother) 


DEAN, JAMES BAKER 
AND DOLORES J. 


James Baker Dean was born in Val- 
paraiso on June 7, 1926 to Ray and 
Lucy Dean. He was raised in Valparaiso 
and attended Valparaiso schools for 
all but one year when he attended Kem- 
per Military School from which he was 
graduated. During World War Il he 
served in the army. After the war he re- 
turned to Valparaiso and attended Val- 
paraiso University and then went into 
the family business where he was as- 
sociated with his father and brother in 


the operation of Valparaiso Plumbing 
Co. 

Dolores Johnson Dean was born in 
Oak Park, Illinois on March 3, 1928 
to William L. Johnson and Helen Ja- 
cobi Johnson. She was raised in Chica- 
go and the suburbs. Dolores attended 
Valparaiso University. She has served 
as a volunteer in the community 
throughout her residency. She was 
named Woman of Distinction for Val- 
paraiso and Center Township for 1957. 
She has also served as President of the 
Indiana Federation of Clubs, on the in- 
ternational board of directors of Project 
Concern, Inc., and is Vice Chairman of 
the Indiana American Revolution Bi- 
centennial Commission as well as serv- 
ing on the Porter County ARBC. She 
is President and manager of Strongbow 
International Travel Service, Inc. Do- 
lores is a member of Immanuel Luthe- 
ran Church. 


James and Dolores were married in 
Skokie, Illinois on June 5, 1948. They 
have 2 children Constance Rae who is 
married to Richard Gott and Kim Wil- 
liam, residing in California. They have 
one grandchild, Sonya Rae Gott, daugh- 
ter of Connie and Dick. 


DEAN, RAYMOND LESLIE 
AND LUCY VIRGINIA 


Ray Dean has been a prominent busi- 
ness man for over 50 years. He was 
born on Oct. 2, 1893 in Valparaiso to 
Lyman and Anna, nee Stalbaum, Dean. 
He was their second child, Glen being 
older and Helen the younger of the 3 
children. Lyman Dean _ operated a 
plumbing firm which Ray joined, Val- 
paraiso Plumbing Company. During 
World War |, Ray served in the U. S. 
Navy. He is a 50 year member of the 
Masonic Lodge and the Valparaiso Golf 
Club. 


Lucy Virginia Baker Dean was born 
in Virginia on January 6, 1896. Her 
parents were John Lyman Baker and 
Florence Thomas Baker. She was their 
youngest child. The Bakers had gone 
to Virginia from Hebron and after 
Lucy‘s birth they returned to Hebron to 
live. Lucy attended the university at 
Valparaiso and taught school in Porter 
County. She is a past president of the 
Valparaiso Woman’s Club. 


Ray and Lucy were married August 


17, 1918. They are the parents of John 
Lyman born September 7, 1920, James 
Baker born June 7, 1926 and Lucille 
Rae born May 17, 1928. John married 
Jane Peterson in July 1949, they have 
3 children Malcolm, Nancy and Brian. 
James maried Dolores Johnson on June 
5, 1948; they have 2 children, Con- 
stance Rae and Kim William and one 
grandchild Sonya Rae Gott. Lucille mar- 
ried James Skophammer in August 
1949; they have 2 children Laurie Sue 
and Timothy Grant. They reside in Cali- 
fornia. 


Ray and Lucy are members of the 
First Christian Church. 


THE DICK FAMILY 


The Dick Family is not a native Hoo- 
sier family although they have made 
permanent resident in Valparaiso since 
1970. Jan Dick, a native of Wilkins- 
burg, Pennsylvania, attended college 
at Valparaiso University from 1964 un- 
til receiving his B.S. degree in Business 
administration in 1969. His future wife, 
Marian, joined him in 1967 after grad- 
uating from St. John’s School of Nurs- 
ing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Marian 
is a native of Ruff Creek, Pennsylvania 
and went to work as a nurse at Porter 
Memorial Hospital upon arriving in Val- 
po. After his Graduation, Jan took a 
position with Bethlehem Steel Company 
at its Burns Harbor Plant. In 1970, the 
couple were married and took up resi- 
dence on Berkley Drive on the north 
side of Valparaiso. On December 30th 
of that year, their first daughter, Chris- 
tianne, was born. Jan remained with 
Bethlehem and Marian worked part- 
time at PMH until their second daugh- 
ter, Suzanne, was born on November 2, 
1973. * 


Since that time, Jan and Marian have 
remained working for the same employ- 
ers and have planned to raise their two 
daughters in Valparaiso. 


97 


98 


MERRITT AND CAROL 
DICKINSON 
Carol A. Eichenseher daughter of 


Walter and Clara (Hundt) Eichenseher 
of Valparaiso and Merritt Grant Dick- 
inson son of Garner and Helen (Cook) 
Dickinson were married June 6, 1959 
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valpa- 
raiso, where they made their first home 
in an apartment. Five months later, 
they moved to a house in Hebron, 
where they lived for one year. They 
moved to a house near Crown Point 
in December of 1960 where they re- 
mained for three years, when they 
built their present home in Hebron. 
Merritt has been a member of the In- 
ternational Union of Operating Engin- 
eers, Local 150 for 17 years. Carol 
was employed for 9 years with General 
Telephone Company in Valparaiso as a 
Business Representative and now is a 
housewife. 

Their daughter Michele Lee was born 
on March 19, 1975 in Valparaiso and 
was baptized April 6, 1975 at St. 
Michael’s Lutheran Church in Hebron. 

Merrit is a member of Hebron Ma- 
sonic Lodge #502, Scottish Rite of 
South Bend, Shrine of Hammond, Op- 
erating Engineer’s Square Club, Dune- 
land Young Republicans, Porter County 
Shrine, and Porter County Scottish Rite. 
He was president of the Operating En- 
gineer’s Square Club in 1972. He is 
currently serving as a Trustee of St. 
Michael’s Lutheran Church. 

Carol is a member of the Central 
District Republican Womens’ Club, 
Duneland -Young Republicans, South 


County Belles Homemakers Club, Por- 
ter County and Hebron Bicentennial 
Committees, St. Michaels Ladies Aid, 
South County Republican Womens’ 
Club, and is a Vice Precinct Committee 
woman for Boone Township. She has 
twice served as a delegate to the Re- 
publican State Convention and was a 
candidate for Clerk-Treasurer for the 
Town of Hebron in 1975. 

Merritt and Carol have both been 
active in the campaigns of former Con- 
gressman Earl F. Landgrebe and have 
worked to help establish the new Luth- 
eran Church, St. Michaels, in Hebron. 

Submitted by Merritt Dickinson 


THE DILLIE’S 300 YEARS IN 
AMERICA 


John Dille a member of the Puritan 
Colony that founded Woodbridge, New 
Jersey 1669. In the following Dille Gen- 
erations | find fifty John Dilles. So fig- 
ure that out if you can. 

Aaron, Caleb, Samuel and John 
Dille crossed the Alleghenies by Brad- 
dock Road to the Ohio River at Mounds- 
ville, West Virginia. They crossed the 
river and founded the town of Dille, 
Ohio, Belmont County, now marked on 
the map as “‘the Switzerland of Ohio’ 
on highway #7—always known as Dille- 
Bottom. In 1790 about three thousand 
acres were here acquired by the Dille 
brothers. A fort was built, the exact 
spot where this was built is not known 
and one of the reasons for our several 
visits there. The old river road was in 
need of so much repair a new highway 
has been built about 1971 or 1972. | 
had some friends there who were watch- 


ing the grading for the new road in 


hopes we would find some clue as to 
the forts location. None was _ found. 


There is a church, a store, a restau- 
rant and a motel marked Dilles. We 
visited two cemeterys so old not one 
name can be read. Just guess some are 
Dille graves. 


Hiram Dille born July 27, 1812 in 
Dilles Bottom, Belmont County Ohio. 
Hiram came with his father and an old- 
er brother Cephas—1829—records 
show 165 acres of land at 1.25 per acre 
located in Washington Township by 
John Dille. Later 73 acres, 1833 and 
1836, 160 acres for $200.00 and 1837 
80 acres for $100.00 by Hiram Dille 
living in Valparaiso the rest of his life. 


John Comador Dille was second son 
of Hiram born Sept. 1, 1836. Died June 
12, 1897, buried in Chesterton ceme- 
tery. His wife was Caroline Lansing 
daughter of Robert Lansing, a mill- 
wright, buried in Lansing cemetery, 
Porter County. 


Six Children of John and Caroline 
Dille: Birdell Dille born 1865 died 1/7/ 
1919; June Dille Born 1/4/1864 died 
2/26/1955; Neva Dille born 3/25/ 
1869 died 10/17/1945; Roscoe Ver- 
non Dille born 11/14/1871 died 1/6/ 
1956; John C. Dille born 5/29/1877 
died 5/14/1941. A baby girl died in 
infancy named Molly. 


Rosco Dille married Jeanette Hyde 
—3 daughters: Lillian 2/12/1898 to 
2/2/1920, Lorean Dille 3/19/1899 
to 7/19/1922, Olive Dille 4/29/1900 
to —. Jeantte Hdye Dille died in 
1904. 


Rosco Dille married Mildred Marvin 
—2 daughters, 4 sons: Doris Idell Dille 
born 2/12/1914, Mary Helen Dille 
born 3/28/1922, Marvin Rosco Dille 
born 2/2/1910, Tom Vernon Dille born 
8/13/1912, Howard Richard  Dille 
born 8/13/1915, Calvin Luther Dille 
born 4/5/1919. Howard Richard Dille 
died Feb. 13, 1935. Tom Vernon Dille 
died Aug. 25, —, Centralia, Illinois. 
Rosco Vernon Dille died Jan. 6, 1956, 
buried in Chesterton. 

Aug. 15, 1975—-83 years old—May 
3, 1975. Oct. 1905 my father William 
C. Marvin and | came to Chicago, Illi- 
nois from Andover, Ohio. Papa was a 
railroad man came to drive the piling 
for tracks and station at Gary. They 
were just grading Broadway in Gary 
with scoops and teams of horses. We 
settled in Chesterton and have been 


~- 


here 70 years. So could write a book on 
the many changes in Porter County. As 
| am a mother, grandmother, great and 
great, great grandmother, it is impos- 
sible to name all with birthdays and 
other dates correctly. 

But | do want to say for a little old 
orphan kid | didn’t do too bad. The 
greatest pleasure in my life has been 
to have a family, Gods greatest gift. 
Mildred Marvin Dille Reeves. 

Picture taken Aug. 1975 for the book 
—Marvin R. Dille first great grandson 
of Hiram to have Dille name. 


DILLON, WILLIAM & MARY 


DILLON, WILLIAM H. & MARY L., 
511 Strongbow Trail, Chesterton, 
moved to present address in May of 
1955 from Chicago. In 1958 the Dil- 
lons joined the Civil Air Patrol unit in 
Michigan City. In 1962, William Dillon, 
was made Group VIII Commander, as- 
sumed rank of Lt. Col. Moving his plane 
to Porter County Airport, he had many 
activities and flights. Through these 
many efforts along with the publicity by 
Major Mary Dillon, they were respon- 
sible for the growth of the Valparaiso 
Squadron. 


During this time the Dillons were 
also active with other activities such 
as Little League, Cub Scouts, Boy 
Scouts, 4-H, (giving airplane rides as 
rewards), Brownies, Girl Scouts, Amer- 
ican Legion, and Auxiliary, and the 
Moose. Mary Dillon had been active 
in Women of the Moose, and Toastmis- 
tress. She is now active in American 
Legion Auxiliary #503, and Porter 
County Assn. of Insurance Women. Bill 
is active in American Legion, Moose, 
and is a member of two bowling teams. 


Most memorable of their experiences 
was the Great Snowstorm of '67 when 
Bill Dillon was in the aircraft painting 
business at the Porter County Airport. 
They opened their hangar to stranded 
motorists and eventually numbered 55. 
They were snowed in for over a week 
with only a two-burner electric plate, 
a large coffee pot, and a 3-lb. coffee 
can to make soup in. Each person had 
to save their plastic serving ware (to 
make it last). 


Currently, the Dillons enjoy summers 
fishing in the waters of Lake Michigan 
from Burns Harbor to Michigan City. 

Son, William R. USAF for 13 years, 


is married, 2 children, living in Calif. 
Daughter, Bonnie, married, lives in 


Kenosha with her husband and 4 chil- 
dren. Michael, single, lives in Burns 
Harbor and daughter, Sue, with her 
daughter is presently living at home. 


JOHN AND MARTHA DINSE 


Our parents John and Martha (Ja- 
cobs) Dinse purchased a farm of 67 
acres in Morgan Township in the year 
1912. They moved out from Chicago, 
where two of three children were born, 
Vernon and Helen. Dad was not too ex- 
perienced in farming, but Mom was 
born and raised on a farm in Washing: 
ton Township, so she knew it took a lot 
of hard work and help from relatives 
and friends to get it all done. This par- 
ticular area, where Mom grew up was 
called ‘Snake Island’’ and was also 
known as ‘“‘Jacobs Homestead’’. 

The next year after moving to Indi- 
ana a second daughter was born, 
Melva. 

As years passed by the folks bought 
45 more acres joining the other acre- 
age. On these two places were about 
500 rods of hedge trees. These were 
all removed and posts wre cut out and 
sold and the rest was used for the fur- 
nace and cooking stove. This wood 
lasted us about five years. 

Dad had learned to play the concer- 
tina in his younger days and played 
for dances in Chicago and barn dances 
in Indiana. He was very active in Farm 
Bureau, Fair Board and Church activ- 
ities. In 1941 he began working at Con- 
tinental Diamond Company and retired 
from there in 1953. He enjoyed work- 


ing with flowers and gardening, he 
called it his park, which was always 
beautiful and weedless. 


Vernon married Mildred Chael in 
1931, they now live on the old home- 
stead. He also is active in Farm Bureau 
and was county chairman for 10 years. 
He was appointed the ASC committee 
for 2 years. He was elected to the Re- 
corder office for 8 years and is now 
serving on the County Council. He has 
been very active in the Red Cross pro- 
gram, which he now serves as chair- 
man. He also is a member of the local 
Rotary Club and Fair Board. He also 
has served on the Church Council. 


They have two children Nancy and 
Ruth, Nancy graduated from Morgan 
Township School, like her mother. Af- 
ter graduation she attended South Bend 
Business College and was later em- 
ployed at McGill Manufacturer. Then 
became secretary to Congressman Earl 
Landgrebe and moved to Washington 
D.C. She now is working at the White 
House. Their other daughter, Ruth who 
also graduated from Morgan Township, 
decided not to go on to school and go 
to work. She is now employed by Pio- 
neer National Title Insurance Company 
in Valparaiso and has worked there 
since graduation. She is now married 
to Donald Nicholson and they live in 
Valparaiso. 


Helen who graduated from Adams 
School in Morgan Township was em- 
ployed during the depression years at 
what used to be called Trail-Inn Res- 
taurant. In later years she also worked 
at Philley Manufactures and Porter 
Memorial Hospital. She later had to 
retire to take care of our parents until 
their deaths. Mother died July 4, 1968 
and Dad December 12, 1970. They 
both lived to be 87 years old. Before 
Dad passed away she married Harry 
Spohn, and they now live in Pleasant 
Township. She enjoys her flower and 
garden work, besides traveling with 
Harry. 


As for myself, Melva, | was born and 
raised on the home place and gradu- 
ated from Morgan High School. | 
worked at Trail-Inn and Philley Manu- 
facturers and Porter Memorial Hospital. 
| was married to Harold McGriff for 25 
years and we had three children, Bettie, 
Janet, and William. Bettie is married to 
Jack Wild and have one daughter Jac- 
quelyn, they now live in Logansport, 


99 


100 


Indiana. She has a beauty shop in her 
home. Our 2nd daughter, Janet, is now 
married to Robert Zwiers. She has 3 
boys Kevin, Kurtis, and Ronald, they 
all attend Wanatah School and live in 
South Wanatah. Janet is employed at 
McGill Manufacturer. William our son 
married Linda Miller of Kouts and have 
2 children, Kimberly and Timothy. Bill 
is in the Construction business. They 
have a home in Morgan Township. 

At the time of Harold’s death in 
1963 we were living on a small farm 
by Kouts. Bill and | were the only ones 
left at home at this time so we moved 
into Kouts. In 1966, | married George 
Drazer of Kouts, we both had retired, 
so we traveled. Our winters were spent 
in Florida and summers in Indiana and 
Minnesota fishing. In 1973 he passed 
away in Florida. 

| continued to spend winters in Flori- 
da and summers in Indiana with my 
children. In 1975 | married Pearl Atch- 
ison, we live in a large trailer court in 
Florida and have purchased a home in 
Wanatah for summer months. We enjoy 
boating, fishing, and bowling. 

Submitted by Melva Atchison 


ROY R. DITTMAN 


Mr. & Mrs. Roy R. Dittman are the 
parents of four children, Roy Jr., In- 
dianapolis, Mrs. Harley (Doris) Phillips, 
Mrs. George (Lois) Neeley, Mrs. Don- 
ald (Joan) Delp of Valparaiso, and nine 
grandchildren. 

Roy Sr. was born in Valparaiso in 
1898 and has lived here most of his 
life. Ethel was born in Chicago in 1900. 


MRS. PHYLLIS DODD 


Perhaps one of the most interesting 
houses on Institute Street in Valparaiso 
is the 134-year old house of Mrs. Phyl- 
lis Dodd. It was built in 1841 in what 
was then, the outskirts of town. It 
stood in a corn field, at the corner of 


Maple and First Streets, which was one 
of the first additions to the town of 
Valparaiso. Today, the street names 
have been changed to College and In- 
stitute. During the era of the Civil War, 
the house was bought by the John W. 
Hayden family, who had moved from 
Malden in Morgan Township. Accord- 
ing to stories that have been passed 
along, John Hayden moved to this lo- 
cation so that he and his family would 
be able to hear the news of the Civil 
War. 


The house has many characteristics 
that make it unique. Many years ago, it 
had a soft water cistern that caught 
rain water for drinking. The nails used 
in the house are iron. All are hand- 
made, possessing a unique square 
shape. No two in the entire house are 
alike. Many of the original windows still 
exist. Mrs. Dodd, the present resident, 
has many samplers located around the 
house, some from the last century. Mr. 
William Dodd, who purchased the house 
in 1941, has refinished all the family 
antique furniture, which consists of 
such items as a cherrywood dresser, 
kerosene lamps, a player piano, and a 
wooden table brought from England in 
the 1800's. 


Mrs. Dodd’s late husband, William 
E. Dodd, was born across the street 
from this house that he was to later 
own. Born in 1912, he was a painter, 
decorator and contractor for most of 
his life. He recently died in 1974. Still 
living are a brother John who lives in 
Chattanooga, Tennessee, his wife, Phyl- 
lis, and twin daughters; Judith Lynn 
(Mrs. Jeffrey Sievers of Tennessee) and 
Joyce Dale (Mrs. John Harcharik of 
Florida.) 


Mr. William E. Dodd came from a 
family who has resided in Valparaiso 
for 95 years. His parents were Susan 
Kleist Dodd and William R. Dodd (who 
moved to Valparaiso at the age of 9 
months from Adrian, Michigan.) For- 
merly, William R. Dodd’s family had 
come to New York from England in or- 
der to settle in a land where they would 
have more freedom of speech, religion 
and education. Open land and land 
grants were especially prevalent in 
this area. When the father of William 
R. Dodd, moved to Valparaiso, he op- 
erated the Valparaiso City Garden, 
which was located behind the old Mica 
Factory on Factory Street. William R. 


Dodd started primary schoo! at the old 
Central High schoo!. Later he dropped 
out of the second or third year of high 
school to go to work. After earning a 
little money, he entered the Brown-Kin- 
sey University where he took a commer- 
cial course. At that time, it was not 
necessary to have a high school diplo- 
ma in order to go to college. 

Mrs. Phyllis Dodd, still resides at 
the 507 Institute home. She was born 
in 1915 to Amanda Lemster Lietz and 
Adolph Lietz in Chicago. Her mother’s 
parents, the Henry Lemster’s, origi- 
nally came from Germany where they 
built a home at Locust and Indiana 
Avenues. Mrs. Phyllis Dodd’s grand- 
father was a brick mason and contrac- 
tor who had moved to Valparaiso with a 
group of Germans from the same sec- 
tion of Germany. Many can still see 
some of his work: Immanuel Lutheran 
Church, the Old Christian Hospital, the 
first paving of route 49. Mrs. Dodd’s 
mother married and moved from Val- 
paraiso where she married Adolph 
Lietz, an electrician. 

Mrs. Dodd returned to Valparaiso 
during the depression because her 
father had died and she needed to 
work. She became a clerk at Lowen- 
stine’s gift department for $7 a week. 
In 1939, she married William E. Dodd. 
They moved to their permanent home at 
507 Institute in 1941. 

Mrs. Dodd, an invalid for 14 years 
from Multiple Sclerosis, is a very avid 
collector of works, memoirs and post- 
cards of Abraham Lincoln. Into her life, 
she has incorporated Lincoln’s famous 
words: ‘I like to see a man proud of 
the place in which he lives. | like to 
see a man live so that his place will be 
proud of him.” 


COIT DOLHOVER 


Mr. Dolhover was born in Porter 
Township, Porter County on June 22, 
1896. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. 
George Dolhover. 


George Dolhover’s parents, George 
and Johanna Dolhover, came from Ba- 
varia, Germany where the name was 
spelled Dolhoffer. They settled in Wis- 
consin and from this state Mr. Dol- 
hover enlisted in the Union Army. He 
was fatally wounded at the Battle of 
Gettysburg. His wife passed away in 
1910. 


The son, George, lived in Wisconsin 
until the age of twenty seven, when he 
came to Porter County, Indiana. He 
was married to Emma French, daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Solon French, long 
time residents of Porter County. Mr. 
French was also injured in the Civil 
War. 

George and Emma Dolhover had two 
children, Martha and Coit. Martha was 
married to Brice Lantz and they have 
one daughter, Mrs. Wilford Ugland 
(Gracecaryl) who now resides in Cali- 
fornia. Mrs. Ugland is a graduate of 
Valparaiso University. 

Coit lived in Porter Township, Porter 
County all of his life. He was graduated 
from Valparaiso High School in 1916. 
He enlisted in the Marines in World 
War | and had his training on Paris Is- 
land. His overseas equipment was on 
the boat, scheduled to leave, when he 
become seriously ill with double pneu- 
monia. Hundreds of the Marines died 
on this boat, going overseas, from the 
terrible epidemic of the pneumonia suf- 
fered during World War I. Coit was in 
the hospital in Quantico, Virginia for 
many weeks. He was discharged in 
February, 1919. 

On December 10, 1919 he was mar- 
ried to Alma Stevens, who was teach- 
ing in Porter Township Schools. Her 
parents were Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stev- 
ens who resided on their farm in Por- 
ter Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coit Dolhover began 
farming in Porter Township and he re- 
sided there the remainder of his life. 
Mrs. Coit Dolhover still resides at their 
home in Porter Township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coit Dolhover were ac- 
tive members of the Boone Grove Chris- 
tian Church and the Republican Party 
and Mrs. Dolhover still remains active 
in these organizations. 

Coit Dolhover was a member of the 
Hebron Lodge No. 502 F.A.M. and the 
South Bend Valley of Scottish Rites. 
He served as trustee of Porter Town- 
ship from 1951-1955. He was a mem- 
ber of the Aviation Board in its early 
years. 

There are three children in the Dol- 
hover family, Lois, Corinne and Rich- 
ard. All are graduates from Boone 
Grove High School and members of 
the Boone Grove Christian Church. Lois 
(Mrs. Jack Sullivan) of Park Forest, 
Illinois attended Bryant and Stratton 


College in Chicago and Is now a secre- 
tary at Insurance Survey Company at 
Glenwood, Illinois. They are the parents 
of three children, Karen, Ellen and 
Janet. 

Corinne (Mrs. Robert Gray) of Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania was graduated 
from Indiana University and does some 
teaching in the Pittsburg Schools. The 
late Mr. Gray and Mrs. Gray have four 
children, Daniel, Daryl, Diane and 
Robert, Jr. 

Richard attended Franklin College 
in Indiana, then enlisted and served in 
the Army Security Agency in Korea for 
three years. He is now an electrician 
at Midwest Steel in Portage. Richard is 
married to the former Mary Alice Max- 
well, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marion 
Maxwell, who were residents on their 
farm in Morgan Township, Porter Coun- 
ty. Mary Alice has taught six years in 
the Porter County Schools. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dolhover now 
own and operate their farm in Porter 
Township. They are parents of two 
children, Michael, age 8 and Sue Ann, 
age 6. The children are attending 
Boone Grove Elementary School. 

Coit Dolhover was deceased March 
16, 1960 at the age of 73 years. 


MABELLE KEENE DOUGLAS 

(MRS. GORDON DOUGLAS) 

AND SON THOMAS A. 
DOUGLAS 


Mabelle Keene Douglas, great-grand- 
daughter of Timothy Keene and Susan 
Ann Park Keene. Timothy and family 
came to Valparaiso in 1857 and bought 
a 130 acre farm. He taught in the pub- 
lic schools, was appointed Commission- 
er of Education of Porter County 
Schools about 1873. Shortly after was 
elected Superintendent of Porter Coun- 
ty Schools. Timothy and wife had five 
children. Andrew (my grandfather), the 
oldest, married Hannah Appleton. They 
lived in Porter County near Cook’s Cor- 


ner. Two sons were born, Thomas Ray 
(my father) and Harry. Thomas married 
Sarah Elizabeth Baker and farmed in 
Union Township. They had the follow- 
ing children: George and Clyde died at 
an early age. Thomas Norman, who 
married Marjorie Lutz of Hobart. They 
lived in Valparaiso, had two sons: 
Thomas William and William Norman. 
Thomis is married and lives in Center 
Township. William is married and lives 
in California; Irene Hannah and Ada 
Harriet, twins, who died during World 
War II from diphtheria-scarlet fever epi- 
demic; Susan died in same epidemic; 
Elizabeth, who married and had two 
daughters, Karen and Nancy; Mabelle 
who married Gordon Ross Douglas, 
killed in farm accident after 214 years 
of marriage. Farmed in Washington 
Township. They had one son, Thomas 
Allen Douglas, who works for Sears Roe- 
buck & Co. in Chicago as an industrial 
engineer in the national field opera- 
tions. Ralph Keene, who married Juan- 
ita Cox, and farms in Union Township 
on the family farm. They have two 
daughters, Linda and Kathy, and both 
teach in Porter County. 

| teach school at Northview School. 
| have lived in Porter County all my life. 

My father, Thomas R. Keene, was 
trustee of Union Township 1930-1938; 
was president of State Trustees Asso- 
ciation for one year and was County As- 
sessor when he died February 15, 1946. 
He was a resident of Porter County all 
his life. 


GUSTAV F. AND EMMA 
(BEGESCHKE) DREWS 


Gustav and Emma Drews had three 
children, seven grandchildren, and six 
great-grandchildren. Their firstborn was 
Leona, who married Clarence Jacobs. 
Their first son, now deceased, was Her- 
bert. Harold was their youngest; he 
married Belva Boehm. 


Clarence and Leona Jacobs_ had 
Sheryl] (Mrs. Ronald Berry), Susan, 
Connie, and Thomas. 

Harold and Belva Drews reared Carol 
Ann (Mrs. James Terrell), James, and 
Ruth (Mrs. Richard Heerdt). James and 
Carol Ann have Douglas and Pamela; 
James and his wife Karen have Kim; 
and Richard and Ruth have Chaista, 
Shelley, and Missey. 


101 


102 


DON F. DRIVER FAMILY 


Moved to Valparaiso from Indianapo- 
lis, Indiana in February 1961. Don 
Driver to join the Allanson Insurance 
Agency to succeed O. L. Allanson as 
manager. 

Mary Ellen, wife of Don and mother 
of David F. Driver and Thomas A. Driv- 
er. 
Don Driver active in business and 
Civic Affairs. Mary Ellen active in Hos- 
pital Guild and Civic work. 

Both sons graduated from Valparaiso 
Community School system; played ten- 
nis on school teams. Both sons. at- 
tended and graduated from Ball State 
University. 

Son David married Debra Suggs, a 
Ball State student from Richmond, In- 
diana. 

Son Thomas married Cheryl LeMay, 
a Ball State student from Circleville, 
Ohio. 

Both sons returned to Valparaiso— 
Thomas to join the Northern Indiana 
Bank and Trust Company, David to join 
the Allanson Insurance Agency. 


THE ARNOLD ECKERT FAMILY 


Arnold Eckert and Bernice Wilson, 
natives of Wanatah, Ind., were married 
and moved to Valparaiso in June 1928. 

Mrs. Eckert, an elementary school 
teacher, was a niece of Misses Emma 
and Lois Pinney, who were then long 
time residents of Valparaiso. Their 


home is still standing, one of the older 
(built in 1875) historical homes, at 


208 East Chicago Street, now, the well 
kept home of the Swygerts. 

Arnold was employed as a meat cut- 
ter in the Grocery and Market of the 
Lowenstine Store. He later became 
manager of the Meat Department of 
Windles’ Grocery and Market on East 
Lincolnway. In January 1935, he 
opened his own place of business, Eck- 
erts’ Grocery and Market at 119 East 
Lincolnway. Here he was assisted by 
LeRoy Chumley and later by his sons. 

After having lived in rented homes, 
the Eckerts, in 1937, built their own 
home at 207 Napoleon St., where the 
parents still reside. 


Their sons, Ronald, Richard and 
James att attended Gardner Elementary 
School, Franklin Junior High and were 
graduates of Valpo High. They were all 
active participants in the vocal and in- 
strumental music program of the 
school as well as in athletics. 


As a result of the Christian influence 
of the Miss Pinneys and other faithful 
members of the First Baptist Church, 
the Eckerts, early in their life in Val- 
paraiso became members of this 
Church. Their sons, each assumed 
leadership with their parents, in the 
Music and Christian Education program 
of the Church. The parents are still 
faithful, active members engaged in the 
work of the Church, now located at 
2205 North Campbell. 


Their sons, Ronald, Richard and 
James, each attended Bible Institute, 
College and Seminary and became or- 
dained Baptist Ministers. They are now 


married and with their families, serving 
in the following localities: 

Ronald—''Co-Pastor and Minister of 
Music’’, Central Baptist Church, St. 
Paul, Minn. 

He and his wife (former Carol Mar- 
tinson) are parents of five sons. 

Richard—‘‘Minister of Music and 
Pastoral Care’’, North Shore Baptist 
Church, Chicago, Ill. 

He and his wife (former Frieda 
O’Barr—also a native of Valparaiso) 
are the parents of 1 son and 1 daugh- 
ter. They reside at Skokie, Illinois. 

James—‘‘Co-Pastor and Minister of 
Music’, The First Baptist Church, Co- 
lumbus, Indiana. He and his wife (for- 
mer Jeanne Balzer) are parents of two 
sons. 

They all have many happy memo- 
ries of days growing up in Valparaiso 
and enjoy return visits. 


THE CHARLES N. EHRSTEIN 
FAMILY 


Charley came to northern Indiana in 
August of 1955 from Grand Chain, Illi- 
nois, to be a carpenter for Traylor Con- 
struction Co. He was working on the 
Indiana Toll Road and lived in Porter, 
Ind. Then in January 1956 he married 
Betty Wallace of Vienna, Illinois and 
they moved to Valparaiso to the Frank 
Wyse apartments out on State Road 
Two, where they lived until June 1958. 
They moved to Lytle Street, where they 
lived until August 1967, at that time 
they moved again to 1202 Kenwood 
Ave. 

They have four children, two girls 
and two boys, and belong to St. Paul’s 
Church. Charles Norbert Ehrstein, Betty 
Joe Ehrstein, Rebecca Ann Ehrstein, 
Frederick Alan Ehrstein, Paul Andrew 
Ehrstein, Sara Elizabeth Ehrstein. 


FRED J. EIBEL 


Fred Eibel is a respected profession- 
al in the field of plumbing, heating, 
and cooling contractors. Just this past 
year he was runner-up as National As- 
sociation of Plumbing, Heating, and 
Cooling Contractor of the Year. He has 
worked his way to the top. From being 
President of Gary Master Plumbers As- 
sociation, he was elected President of 
the Indiana Association of Plumbing 
Contractors in 1938 and 1939. He was 
a member of the Apprentice Board in 
Gary when they started their own school 
—one that is now a model for other 
cities. He served on the Indiana State 
Apprentice Committee in 1968. For 10 
years he has been a Director of the 
Indiana Association of Plumbing, Heat- 
ing, Cooling Contractors. He is an im- 
mediate past-President of the Associa- 
tion of Northern Indiana Plumbing and 
Piping Contractors, an _ organization 
created by the merger of associations 
in Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Whit- 
ing, and Michigan City. 

Besides his work, Fred has shown 
great community spirit. He has sung 
in the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir 
for 15 years, served on the YMCA Board 
of Directors, helped organize the build- 
ing jrogram for the Boy Scouts Sauk 
Trail facilities, been a Republican Pre- 
cinct Committeeman, held membership 
in the Gary Steel Club, Gary University 
Club, Gary Country Club, and Kiwanis 
Club. He was the first President of the 
Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association for 
Northern Indiana. The United Fund 
drive, YMCA membership and fund 
drive, and Trade Winds Crippled Chil- 
drens Home have also benefited from 
Fred’s energy and dedication. He has 
received numerous commendations and 
awards for his participation in these 
and other worthy causes. 


F. RITCHEY EIBEL 


Born June 2, 1934, in Gary, 
“Ritchey’’ is now the ‘‘Son’’ in Eibel 
and Son, Inc., 200 Billings Street in 
Valparaiso. He has followed the same 
profession that his father, Fred J., 
chose. He is a 1956 Purdue University 
graduate in Industrial Economics. His 
wife, Sally Jeanne (Cochran) Eibel is a 
1957 Purdue graduate in Languages. 


They have two daughters, Susanna 
Jeanne, age 8, and Jennifer Jeanne, age 
7. Having been Junior Editor on Debris, 
he is a Sigma Delta Chi as a journalist 
and socially a Beta Theta Pi. 


As an industrial and plumbing con- 
tractor, Ritchey sits on the Board of 
Directors of the Indiana Association of 
Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors: 
the National Advisory Board for Nation- 
al Plumbing; and is President of Nor- 
thern Indiana Plumbing and Piping 
Contractors. 


In addition, he is President of the 
Board of Trustees for the Merrillville 
Methodist Church, past-President of 
Gary Lions Club, and is on the Board 
of Directors for Methodist Hospital. 


With his family, he enjoys sailing, 
tennis, skiing, and anything he can do 
with his wife and children. 


He also takes time to be active in the 
Gary University Club, the Indiana Soci- 
ety of Chicago, and the Gary Country 
Club. 


THE G. GLEN ELLIS, JR. FAMILY 


Family members: G. Glen Ellis, Jr. 
(father), Marilyn J. (Bushing) Ellis 
(mother), and daughters Laurie M. 
(now Mrs. Donald Hootman of Bryan, 
Ohio), Leslee A., Linda J., and Lisa M. 

Glen moved to Valparaiso in 1937 
from Gary, Indiana. He attended the 
Valparaiso schools graduating in 1949. 
Being active in scouting he attained 
the Eagle rank in 1946 and attended 
the National Jamboree at Valley Forge, 
Pennsylvania, in 1950. Marilyn came 
to Valparaiso in 1950 as a student at 
Valparaiso University, primarily be- 
cause her aunt, Vera Bushing, was cat- 
alogger at the University library. 


Glen and Marilyn were married in 
1952 while students at Valparaiso Uni- 
versity. Glen graduated in 1953 with a 
B.A. in mathematics and accepted a 
position with the Goodyear Atomic 
Corp. in Portsmouth, Ohio. After work- 
ing in Paducah, Ky., and Oak Ridge, 
Tenn., for the same company, Glen was 
drafted into the U. S. Army in Octo- 
ber of 1953. After basic training at Fort 
Leonard Wood, Mo., he was assigned 
to electronics school at Fort Bliss in 
El Paso, Texas, and later became an 


instructor there. During the period from 
1952-1954, Marilyn was employed at 
lst Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. of 
Valparaiso and then moved to El Paso. 
Glen was employed by the Hebron 
Public Schools as a mathematics and 
science teacher from 1955 to 1958. 
In 1958 he was awarded a_ National 
Science Foundation Grant for study at 
the University of Illinois and graduated 
with an M.S. in mathematics in 1959. 
He then took a position at Valparaiso 
High School as mathematics teacher 
and has been there ever since. He re- 
ceived an M.A.T. degree in mathema- 
tics from Purdue University in 1964. 


Glen is a past president of the Val- 
paraiso Teachers Assoc., was on the 
Board of Directors of the Indiana State 
Teachers Assoc., and is on the Board 
of Directors of the Valparaiso Commun- 
ity Concert Assoc. 


Marilyn returned to Valparaiso Uni- 
versity on a part-time basis in 1965 
and graduated with a B. S. degree in 
Elementary Education in 1973. She 
took employment with the Valparaiso 
Community Schools as an elementary 
teacher at Central School, and is pres- 
ently working on a master’s degree at 
Valparaiso University. She is on the 
Board of Directors of the Valparaiso 
Community Concert Assoc. and is a 
member of PEO. 

Laurie graduated from Valparaiso 
High School in 1972 where she was 
drum major of the band. She also grad- 
uated from International Jr. College 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1973. 

Leslee graduated from Valparaiso 
High School in 1974 and is presently 
a student at Ball State University in 
Muncie, Indiana. She spent the summer 
of 1973 with a family in Sweden un- 
der the auspices of the Youth for Un- 
derstanding program. 


Linda is now a sophomore at Valpa- 
raiso High School and is active in in- 
strumental music, dramatics, and ath- 
letics. 


Lisa is a 5th grader at Central School 
and is active in music, gymnastics, and 
swimming. 

The family has been active in the 1st 
United Methodist Church of Valparaiso. 

Submitted by Glen Ellis, Jr. 


103 


104 


LEONARD AND BERNICE ELLIS 


Porter County was without a radio 
station until November, 1964, when 
WAYK went on the air. Leonard J. (‘‘Un- 
cle Len’’) and Bernice A. Ellis, applied 
for the 1500 spot on the radio dial in 
1960, and after quite a technical and 
legal battle that continued for four 
years, the Ellises were granted a con- 
struction permit over several other 
groups who had applied. 


Uncle Len, a country music radio 
veteran, began construction on eleven 
acres of the old Edward Domke farm, 
located on Sager Road, just south of 
Valparaiso, and the radio station—two 
radio towers and the studio—went on 
the air November 4, 1964. 


In 1968 the Ellises received permis- 
sion from the Federal Communications 
Commission to change WAYK’s call let- 
ters to WAKE. The same year, WLJE- 
FM 105.5 went on the air. This added 
a fuller dimension to Wake and gave the 
community a full-time facility. The FM 
station was the first in northwest In- 
diana to broadcast in stereo and the 
first station to use a circular polarized 
antenna. 


From the beginning Uncle Len and 
his radio stations have been award win- 
ners. One that Uncle Len is especially 
proud of is the Freedom Foundation 
Award, presented to the station after 
its first nine months. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis realized that a 
formula of “‘giving to the community”’ 
was a successful one, and in order to 
please many tastes, WAKE was com- 
pletely separated from its sister opera- 
tion, WLJE. WAKE is totally easy listen- 
ing, and WLJE spouts a ‘“‘country-lov- 
in’ '’ format. 

On November 23, 1971, the Ellises 
put their third station on the air, WAYT 
in Wabash, Indiana. 

The Ellises have been in Porter Coun- 
ty since 1957. Both are natives of Chi- 
cago. Mrs. Ellis attended Visitation 
High School, and Mr. Ellis attended 
Harrison High School. He studied at 


_ DePaul and Duquesne Universities and 


graduated from Columbia College. Un- 
cle Len was with WJOB in Hammond 
from 1951 to 1960 as station mana- 
ger, and then worked at WWCA in Gary. 

Their first Porter County home was 
located in Chesterton at the junction of 
Route 149 and the Little Calumet Riv- 


er. The Ellises currently reside in the 
Sylvan Manor subdivision in Valparaiso. 
They have three children, Leigh (born 
in 1953), Neenah (born in 1954), and 
Marissa (the only ‘‘Hoosier’’, born in 
1960). 

The Ellis’ services to the community 
don’t stop with the radio stations. Mr. 
Ellis served as president of the Valpa- 
raiso Chamber of Commerce in 1966- 
67 and on the board of directors from 
1967-70. During his tenure as presi- 
dent, the chamber instituted several 
changes: the office was moved to a 
newer, more modern location: the Val- 
paraiso Community Improvement Com- 
mittee was established: and the still- 
continuing practice of presenting 
awards to the community was initiated. 


LEONARD & MAXINE 
ERICKSON FAMILY 


Leonard came to Porter County with 
his parents, Erick and Agnes Erickson 
and brother Clarence and sisters Lil- 
lian, Evelyn, Violet and Jean in 1929 
from Chicago, Illinois to the Sievers 
Farm in Washington Township. In 1938 
he married Maxine Krachey who had 
moved with her parents, James and 
Amelia Krachey and brothers Vincent, 
William, and John from Wales, North 
Dakota in 1935 to the Harry Pierce 
farm in Washington Township. 

We have three children, Patricia, 
John and Sharon, all of whom gradu- 
ated from Washington School. 

Leonard is a carpenter by trade and 
a member of the carpenter’s union for 
over thirty years. He is a World War 
Il veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 
September 1944 through February, 
1946. He also served on the township 
advisory board for twenty years. 

Both are charter members of the 
Evangelical Free Church of Washington 
Township. They have resided in Wash- 
ington Township since coming here 
years back. 


THE JOSEPH JAMES FABIAN 
FAMILY 


Joseph James Fabian was born in 
Gary, Indiana on October 13, 1920. 
One of three children born to John and 
Anna Fabian, an immigrant family from 
Hungary. His father was a carpenter 
by trade. Joseph graduated from Lew 
Wallace High School in 1939. He served 


as a radio man with the Navy’s Admiral 
Staff of the Seventh Fleet, during World 
War Il. He has worked for the steel 
mills, carpentry and sales. He is pres- 
ently employed by All Phase Electric 
in Valparaiso. 

Joseph married Jeanne Walton in 
1943. Jeanne was born in Eagle Creek 
Township in Indiana, one of 12 children 
born to Leroy and Sarah Walton, who 
came to Illinois and Indiana from Kan- 
sas traveling across the county in an 
open wagon. Leroy was a Spanish Amer- 
ican War Veteran and Wagon master at 
Fort Riley, Kansas. He served as Com- 
mander and Chief of the Spanish Amer- 
ican Veterans of Gary, IN for many 
years. 

Jeanne and Joe are the parents of 
six wonderful boys. Joe, born in 1947, 
Mike, 1950, Steve, 1952, Pat, 1955, 
Dirk, 1956, and Drew, 1958. The two 
oldest boys served their country by 
being Vietnam Veterans. Steve served 
his time in the service in Germany. 
Tragedy brought the untimely death of 
Dirk in 1973. Joe and Mike are mar- 
ried, and the other boys are still at 
home. 

We moved to Valparaiso twenty years 
ago and settled in Washington Town- 
ship in 1968. We found the house of 
our dreams and found through past his- 
tory it was the dream of many other 
people. Our house was originally chris- 
tened the Broadlands. We hope to re- 
store it and that name. 


JASPER N. FINNEY FAMILY 


Jasper Newton Finnel, was born 
November 24, 1842, in a log cabin on 
the farm one and one-half miles east 
of Valparaiso, and is the farm which 
his father bought from the government 
in 1836 for three dollars per acre. In 
his boyhood days there was much to 
do toward further clearing of the land 
and carrying on the farming. He helped 
his father with such work during the 
spring and summer months and in the 
winter he attended school in a log 
school house, then later attended the 
common school in Valparaiso, then still 
later in the winters of 1860-61-62 he 
attended the old Valparaiso University. 
On August 7, 1862, he enlisted with 
Company E, 4th Indiana Cavalry, for 
service with the Union Army during the 
Civil War. He served two years and 
about eleven months and was honor- 


ably discharged June 25, 1865. During 
his service as a soldier he, with his 
company, participated in many of the 
big battles of the war, among them the 
battle of Chickamaugua, the battle of 
Reseca, the Atlanta campaign and Wil- 
son's famous raid in the spring of 
1865. In all he was under fire, in bat- 
tles, thirty-two times. In July, 1864, 
during the McCook raid, he was cap- 
tured and held prisoner by General 
Wheeler’s men, and was sent to Ander- 
sonville prison, and held there until 
in September. While being transferred 
to another prison, with several hundred 
other prisoners, he escaped from the 
guards, and after many difficulties of 
traveling by night, and in a weakened 
condition, and by keeping hid in ihe 
daytime, he finally reached the Union 
lines. He was directed to his own com- 
pany and immediately joined them for 
further service. It was during the time 
of his confinement in Andersonville 
prison that the famous spring of fresh, 
clear, cool water broke out in the pris- 
on, which saved the lives of hundreds 
of Union soldiers held there. This 
spring is, and always has been, re- 
garded as an act of Providence. After 
the war he returned to his old home at 
Valparaiso and resumed the occupation 
of farming, on the farm on which he 
was born. He carried on that occupa- 
tion until he retired and became a citi- 
zen of Valparaiso. As a pioneer of Por- 
ter county, he knows the privations 
and the joys, the quaint customs and 
the honest ways that go with pioneer 
days. He saw, with his own eyes, the 
trend of development of Porter county 
and Valparaiso, and contributed to that 
development in no small way by his own 
activities. During his career as a resi- 
dent of Porter county he witnessed the 
passing of the tallow candle to the elec- 
tric light, the ox team to the automo- 
bile, the mud-slashed road to the 
beautiful macadam. Telephones, trac- 
tion lines, rural routes, all kinds of 
electrical devices, all came about while 
he was living in Porter county. Soon 
after the war he joined the G.A.R., 
Chaplain Brown Post No. 106, and 
served in every office from Commander 
down. He was one of the charter mem- 
bers of the Farmer’s Mutual Insurance 
Co. The first policy ever issued by that 
company was issued to him on his prop- 
erty. He was treasurer of that organiza- 
tion for nineteen years. Many years ago 


he became a member of the First Bap- 
tist church and was a deacon in that 
church many years. On September 5, 
1872, he married Matilda Ann Jones. 

Matilda Ann (Jones) Finney was born 
in a log cabin in Jackson township, 
Porter county, March 27, 1846. She 
was one of twelve children. When she 
was four years old her mother died. 
She lived with her father and older sis- 
ters until she was old enough to work 
among neighboring families. For a num- 
ber of years she worked for and lived 
in the home of Tilman Hogan, an old 
resident of Valparaiso. When she was 
nine years old, her father, who had 
amassed what was considered a small 
fortune for those times, started over- 
land westward, to prospect in land and 
be a part of great development of the 
then Far West. He took with him all the 
money he had accumulated, to invest 
in land. As mail traveled very slowly 
in those days, little was heard of his 
progress toward the West until a year 
or two after his departure, when infor- 
mation came to the family that he had 
been engaged to lead a party of pros- 
pectors farther West from Kansas City, 
and after the party had been gone a 
few days they encountered a band of 
Indians and the entire party was wiped 
out. Details as to what actually hap- 
pened are very meager, but evidences 
were found which indicated that the 
entire party had been murdered. His 
family never saw him after leaving 
Jackson township. Little is known of 
her mother’s parents, except that they 
immigrated from Germany and settled 
in Ohio, later coming to Porter county. 
On account of the poor school facilities 
of that early day, and in that rural dis- 
trict, her education was limited to a few 
years’ schooling in a log school house 
in Jackson township. She is a lady of 
more than ordinary ability. She has 
ably filled her position as wife and mo- 
ther in the establishment of a home 
and the rearing of a family. At all times 
she was ready to counsel and advise 
with her husband in their life-work. 
She endeavored to live a Christian life, 
consistent with the dictates of a pure 
heart. She was a member of and a reg- 
ular attendant at the First Baptist 
Church. On September 5, 1872, she 
married Jasper Newton Finney. 

On September 5, 1872, Jasper New- 
ton Finney laid the foundation of a con- 
genial life companionship by his union 


with Matilda Ann Jones. They had six 
(6) children who were the eighth gen- 
eration of the Finney family: 

(1) Stella Maria, born August 2, 
1873, married George Wade, both de- 
ceased. 

(2.) Edith Teresa, born January 23, 
1875, deceased. 

(3.) Leslie Wayne, born July 21, 
1876, was killed in a railroad wreck 
on February 11, 1901. 

(4.) Arthur Alanson, born May 5, 
1878, married Flora Lewis, both are de- 
ceased, had two daughters, Harriet Os- 
burn & Charlotte Casbon, deceased. 

(5.) Earl Tecuseh, born November 
10, 1879, married Evelyn O’Connor, 
both deceased. 

(6.) Grace Matilda, born June 19, 
1885, married Ernest J. Cotterman, 
one son, Allen E.—married Grace C. 
Nicholson. 


CADE MILLE FOLTE 


Submitted by Glinda A. Fitzgerald 

“Cade Mille Folte’’-—‘‘Welcome A 
Thousand Times’’ was the friendly 
greeting of the Fitzgeralds in County 
Cork, Ireland to any stranger that hap- 
pened by. And when one of the later 
famines of Ireland in the 1870’s found 
Andrew Patrick Fitzgerald packing all 
his worldly possessions, it was to a 
land which offered that same kind of 
friendly greeting that he was to look. 

That land, whose Statue of Liberty 
later stood with open arms as if to say 
‘Welcome A Thousand Times to you 
stranger,’’ was America. So with parcel 
in hand ‘‘and remembering that which 
was good,’’ he took a ship across the 
sea like so many of his fellow country- 
men, to the land of opportunity. 

During the crossing he met Ellen 
A. Murphy, a proud woman who left 
parents and thirteen brothers and sis- 
ters in New Market, County Cork to 
come to America. Each was surprised 
that they had not met before because, 
as they were to say to their children and 
grandchildren, ‘‘we were only a stone’s 
throw apart in Ireland.” 

Andrew at age 39 (b. 12/25/1835) 
and Ellen at age 32 (b. 5/25/1842) 
were married in the United States; their 
first child Michael, who was named 
after Andrew’s father, was born Novem- 
ber 7, 1875 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The next journey for the new family 
Fitzgerald was to Redwood City, Cali- 


105 


106 


fornia where Andrew was to try his hand 
as a lumberjack. But he being from the 
farmlands of County Cork, and like his 
wife loving the land, they both had the 
common Irish desire to own and work 
their own soil. So once again they heard 
the friendly Irish greeting ‘“‘Cade Mille 
Folte’’ when ‘“‘Uncle’’ Drew, as he was 
commonly called, invited them to come 
to Indiana where his mother settled 
after leaving her and Ellen Murphy’s 
hometown of New Market. 


Thus in 1876 the Andrew P. Fitzger- 
ald family came to settle in Porter 
County, Indiana. By March of 1877 
they had already purchased lands in 
Union Township and Porter Township, 
which was just across the road. Then 
on those lands on June 23, 1877 John 
Edward Fitzgerald, who received his 
name from Ellen’s father back in Ire- 
land, was born. And when John E. Fitz- 
gerald was baptized at St. Paul's Catho- 
lic Church in Valparaiso on July 22, 
1877, one can be sure a ‘‘Cade Mille 
Folte’’ was extended to a new genera- 
tion of the Indiana Irishmen by his 
godfather ‘‘Uncle’’ John Drew. 

The Fitzgeralds farmed their lands 
and raised tobacco, Irish potatoes, 
corn, wheat, etc., and children as four 
daughters were to follow after Michael 
and John. Mary (b. 11/26,1878), El- 
len (b. 9/29,1880), Hanora (b. 4/10/ 
1882), and Catherine (b. 11/11/ 
1884). 

As the years passed Andrew and EI- 
len were to see their family expand as 
well as their lands. Some of Ellen’s 
brothers and sisters came from Ire- 
land and settled in the St. Louis area. 
As for Andrew and Ellen’s children, 
Mary married Tom Godsil after moving 
to Stockton, California, where they 
owned and operated the Hotel State. 
Mary’s son Tom now lives in Santa 
Cruz and her daughter, Kathryn Dana, 
now lives in Sacramento. Michael 
farmed the lands of his parents in Un- 
ion and Porter Townships. Catherine 
was a school teacher at Spafford School 
in Union Township in 1904 and later 
taught in Portage Township. Ellen be- 
came Mrs. Albert Neff of Indianapolis. 
Her son Bazil lived there until his pass- 
ing and her daughter Eileen married 
Harry Michaels. They now live in Bay 
City, Michigan. Hanora became Mrs. 
Andrew Gast of Valparaiso. Their sons 
Edward and Gerald Gart have since 


passed away leaving Francis Shearer, 
Ellen Ritz, Thomas Gast and Catherine 
Christy still residing near Valparaiso. 
John married Bridget A. Forkan from 
County Sligo, Ireland in Chicago on 
April 15, 1906. They made their first 
residence at Lake Eliza and purchased 
land around the area. 


From John’s family came a new gen- 
eration of Fitzgeralds. John and Bridget 
while developing Lake Eliza into a re- 
resort area raised nine children: An- 
drew, John, Maurice, Mary, Winifed, 
Ann, Thomas, Ellen May, and Joseph. 

Andrew Patrick who was named after 
his grandfather, became a successful 
businessman in the field of radio in 
the Chicago area; he later moved back 
to Lake Eliza to purchase and develop 
the land on the west side of the Lake. 
John and Joe settled on the farmlands 
and have become successful in the 
horse racing business. They are the 
owners of Fitzgerald Farms. Maurice 
and Tom acquired their father’s interest 
in developing the lands around Lake 
Eliza and are now owner-operators of 
Lake Eliza Resort. Mary married Henry 
Glissman, who is in the building trade, 
and together they built their own home 
and developed a small lake on their 
property east of Valparaiso. Winifred 
married Delmar Gast and together they 
operated a farm near Hwy. U. S. 30 
west of Valparaiso, until her passing on 
Aug. 17, 1961. Delmar still owns and 
manages the farmlands. Ann married 
Mox Ruge a lawyer for Valparaiso, and 
they lived in Chesterton where Mox 
practiced law and became involved in 
the banking business until his passing 
on Nov. 14, 1968. Ann is now the presi- 
dent of the Porter Bank near Chester- 
ton, and because of her accomplish- 
ments her name appears in WHO’S 
WHO IN AMERICA. Ella Mae married 
John Casson from Chicago who has 
worked for the Bell Telephone Co. for 
over 37 years, and Ella Mae works for 
the Illinois State Dept. of Public Wel- 
fare. She and John now reside in Oak 
Park, Illinois. 


As there are now over 70 descen- 
dants of John and Bridget Fitzgerald’s 
family, the family tree which follows 
will help to show their children’s 
spouses and their descendants. These 
descendants branch out into many 
parts of the country, but whatever they 
do and wherever they go it is hoped 


they will always be giving or receiving 
the friendly greeting of their Irish an- 
cestors of County Cork, Ireland. ‘‘CADE 
MILLE FOLTE’’—‘tWELCOME A THOU- 
SAND TIMES.” 


1. Andrew P. Fitzgerald & Margurite 
(Nickerman) 
Mary Catherine & Kenneth Mitchel! 
Geraldine, Terry, Kevin 
Theodore & Nadine (Shiplov) 
Andrew, Kathleen 

. John U. Fitzgerald 

. Maurice E. Fitzgerald & Denise 

(Hoebeck) 

Timothy & Linda (Novotny) 
Timothy, Todd, Heather 
Mary A. Fitzgerald & Henry 
Glissman 
John Thomas & Linda (Menesse) 
Susan, Nancy, Mary, Christine 
. Winifred V. Fitzgerald & Delmar Gast 
Mary Ellen & Walter Alexander 
Shawn, Jessica 
Joseph & Joyce (Shiplov) 
Amy, Thomas, Michael 

6. Ann C. Fitzgerald & Mox Ruge 
Mark & Dawn (Duncan) 

Kimberly, Pamela, Gwendolyn, 
Suzanne, Mox, Dawn, Jacqueline, 
Bradley 

James 

Margaret 

Kathleen & Paul Scott 

Thomas & Shawn (Rosscup) 

7. Thomas E. Fitzgerald & Linda (Ray) 
Thomas & Gisela (Sprenger) 
Thomas III 
Emmett & Christine (Larson) 
Emmett, Erin 
Glinda 

8. Ellen M. Fitzgerald & John Casson 
Nancy 
Patricia 
Michael 
Michael 

9. Joseph F. Fitzgerald 


© NO 


- 


ol 


ESTELLA (EMERSON) AND 
FRANK FORTIER 


Rev. and Mrs. Frank Fortier came to 
Hobart, Indiana the first Sun. of April 
1959 to pastor the Hobart Assembly of 
God Church. The church had just been 
finished and dedicated the week be- 
fore the Fortier’s arrival. They resided 
in Hobart until March 7th 1966, their 
30th wedding anniversary when they 
moved into a new home in South Haven 
where they still live. 


Several years ago the mortgage was 
paid off on the church and plans were 
being made to relocate the church due 
to shortage of space and also parking 
space. On Sunday August 10th, 1975 
the congregation met at the old church 
on 10th and State Sts. with Mayor Titus 
leading the caravan to the new church 
on Rt. 6 just west of Rt. 51. 

Rev. Fortier was born in Elkhart, In- 
diana to a family in carnival and show 
business. At fourteen years of age after 
preparing also to go into show busi- 
ness he had his first visit to church 
and made a profession of faith and 
from that time on his sights were set 
on the ministry. 

His wife, Estella was born in Burr 
Oak, Michigan and moved to Elkhart at 
the age of six. Her father was a Metho- 
dist minister. 

The two met and a year and a half 
later were united in marriage. Along 
with Rev. Fortier’s sister, Donna Mae 
(Fortier) Polachek the three formed a 
trio and played and sang in churches, 
camp meetings and revival meetings. 

After ten years of marriage and no 
children the Fortier Family was playing 
in Marion, Indiana at a children’s home 
when all three spotted a little girl who 
appealed to them and in less than two 
months they picked her up on a cold 
icy night, Christmas Eve to be exact 
and a year later adopted her legally. 
She was very small for her age and they 
thought she was about ten years old 
but found out later she was thirteen. 
She was also given music lessons and 
joined the family as they traveled 
around the country still in Evangelistic 
meetings. 

Donna Mae had to finally drop out to 
take care of her baby and a year later 
the daughter had other interests and 
also dropped out. 

The daughter finally married and has 
two daughters of her own and also an 
adopted daughter. 


Rev. and Mrs. Fortier continued to 
travel but finally settled down to pastor 
a church in Ligonier, Ind. After a while 
they went back on the field and then 
took a church in Peru, Ind. 

The Hobart Church is their third 
church. The Fortier’s have also had 
quite a ministry with children. They are 
Known as “Uncle Frank and Aunt 
Stella’. They have conducted many 
children’s camps and also made their 
appearances at schools. They are very 
much interested in young people and 
are responsible for young people being 
in the ministry and also missionaries. 

We are both happy in the work we 
are doing even though it involves many 
hours a day and have adjusted to Porter 
County and surrounding areas and are 
always eager to visit folk in hospitals 
and sometimes even in the jails. 

In closing we might add that the life 
in the ministry was entered into by 
choice. We both held good jobs in 
secular work but chose to serve God 
whenever and wherever He could use 
us and the greatest reward we will 
ever receive will be to hear Him say, 
‘Well done thou good and faithful ser- 
vants enter into the joy of the Lord”’. 

Submitted by Rev. and Mrs. Frank 

Fortier 


SARAH MABEL FRYER (MRS. 
ERNEST) FOSTER 


Mrs. Foster, known more commonly 
as Grandma Foster to even more people 
than her 19 grandchildren and at least 
25 great-grandchildren, has roots that 
go back to 1856 in Porter County. Her 
grandparents, Robert Morrow Fryar and 
Sarah (Harris) Fryar were both born 
on June 17, 1833, in County Dorone, 
lreland. In 1852 they emigrated, arriv- 
ing in New York, From there they came 
westward, spending some time in Phil- 
adelphia and the state of Ohio. Continu- 
ing to press toward the frontier, their 
covered wagon carried them to Valpa- 
raiso in 1856. Their baby died ofafever 


during their stop here, and rather than 
have to think of their little one in a 
Strange place resting in an untended 
grave, they determined to settle here. 
In 1862, the Union Army called her 
grandfather to defend his adopted 
country. He enlisted in the 73rd Indi- 
ana Infantry and served for three years, 
seeing action in several famous battles. 
In the “Battle Above The Clouds”’ at 
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, he was 
captured and suffered many hardships 
as a prisoner of the Confederacy. When 
the war ended, he returned to Valparai- 
so. In 1869 they purchased a farm in 
Porter County. They worked it until 
1890, when they retired to a house in 
Valparaiso. It was known as the ‘‘House 
of Seven Gables’’ and was then on 
Greenwich Street. After their deaths, it 
was moved to its present location on 
Garfield Street. Their living children 
were William, Dallas, Nancy, Joseph, 
and Emma. Dallas was the father of 
Sarah Mabel, born in May 1893. 

She and her three sisters were all 
school teachers. Her brothers had a 
variety of vocations. She was trained 
at Valparaiso University in 1911 and 
taught school for four years. In 1915 
she married Ernest Foster. He had been 
born in Oakwood, Illinois in 1883. His 
family moved to northwest Indiana in 
1904. In his youth he was strong as an 
ox, known around the area as a fun- 
loving young man who went to fairs to 
beat the traveling wrestlers and take 
home a prize. He was not above drop- 
ping a pinch of “‘itching powder’’ down 
a few open collars to entertain his 
friends. Never a drinker or brawler, his 
conversion to Christianity and subse- 
quent irreproachable behavior as a hus- 
band, father, and leader of the Church 
of Christ was more or less a natural re- 
sult of his honesty and energy when his 
attention was turned to the Bible. They 
settled on a farm and reared their fam- 
ily—Dallas, Lloyd, Kenneth, Betty, and 
Annabel—in Morgan Township. 

After retiring from farming, they 
moved to Valparaiso and worked for 
the University. Later they took full re- 
tirement and lived north of town. 

Now, as a widow, Grandma Foster 
lives with her daughter and son-in-law, 
Annabel and Harold Ailes in Morgan 
Township. . 

Mrs. Foster was a Charter Member 
of the Homemakers Club and is a mem- 
ber of the Church of Christ. 


107 


108 


JOHN R. FRANK, M.D. 


There is one situation that arises in 
the life of all of us over which none of 
us have any control. With the passage 
of time each and everyone gets older. 

Perhaps many prefer not to be re- 
minded of this eventuality, yet it is the 
inevitable order of human existense 
that there is no magic that can post- 
pone the flight of time. 

Today we want to pay tribute to the 
oldest living member of the local Amer- 
ican Legion Post 94. He is also the old- 
est practicing physician in Porter Coun- 
ty. 

Dr. John Ray Frank was born in 
1888, and Thursday he will observe his 
87th birthday. He is native Hoosier 
originally from Harrison County. Cory- 
don, the first capital of Indiana, is its 
county seat. His German ancestors first 
settled in North Carolina, but, like 
many immigrants, drifted westward and 
by the time John Ray arrived his par- 
ents were farmers in southern Indiana. 

After attending public schools in 
that vicinity, he attained a high school 
diploma from Central Normal College, 
then in Danville, in 1908. After an ad- 
ditional year in this school, he began 
teaching in a country school having 40 
pupils for $50 a month. 

About a year later he accepted a 
position to teach in a high school in 
Rockfield in Carroll County, where he 
received $100 a month, which was an 
exceptional salary for teachers in those 
days. 

By 1913 he had saved enough money 
to begin his medical education at In- 


diana University. (He later borrowed 
some to complete his courses even 
though he waited tables and slept in a 
funeral parlor for his room during his 
last few years.) 

In 1917, along with 38 others, he 
was awarded his M.D. degree. This was 
the largest class in Medicine that |.U. 
had ever graduated at that time. 

Of course, World War | was going 
on at that time and he received his 
greetings, so he entered the Navy. He 
was with the Marines and, for a time, 
was stationed in Cuba. Afterwards he 
was placed on a ship as the only medi- 
cal officer for service until the war 
ended. 


Following his discharge, he attended 
the Boston Psychopathic Hospital for 
special study for 15 months and then 
served as a doctor in the New Jersey 
State Hospital for one year. The next 
year he spent at the New York Neurol- 
ogical Institute as a student and doc- 
tor for some additional training and 
experience before going to Los Angeles 
to start a private practice. 


By 1928 he suddenly decided that 
he preferred to go to New Orleans, 
where there was an opportunity for the 
study and practice of becoming an eye, 
ear, nose and throat specialist. In 1930, 
he came to Valparaiso, where he has 
remained ever since. In 1932 he mar- 
ried Miss Agnes Webb, who died of a 
coronary illness in 1968. 


There are two children in the Frank 
family, Phyllis and Tom. Dr. Frank 
proudly announced that he has five 
grandchildren, but only one grandson 
and the latter had plans to follow in 
grandad’s footsteps. 


Dr. Frank has been a member of the 
Rotary Club for many years and has al- 
ways been a member of the American 
Legion wherever he happened to be liv- 
ing. In 1967 it was the good fortune 
of this columnist to be requested to 
grant him an award for his 50 years of 
Masonic service. 


He feels that the earlier family rela- 
tionship between the old time country 
doctor and his patients has changed 
considerably since he began practice. 
With all the constantly increasing dis- 
coveries, it was probably essential that 
the medical profession had to become 
one of specialization. 


During the last several years he has 
not been as active as in his earlier days, 


but still grants attention when called 
upon for service. He gives much time to 
his farm near Hebron and takes great 
delight in growing grain and seeing the 
cattle cared for by his tenant. 

When asked about the longevity of 
life, he answered that it was probably 
partly hereditary and yet constant care, 
correct dieting and the avoidance of 
cumulative duties that confront all peo- 
ple in all professions has much to do 
with the continuation of good health. 


WILLIAM FRANK 


Mr. and Mrs. William (Bill) Frank of 
Route five, Valparaiso, Indiana. 


Bill was born and educated in Mc- 
Lean County, North Dakota. He served 
in World War I] from April 19, 1941 
to August 13, 1945 and was honorably 
discharged. He married Eleanor Lorenz, 
a registered nurse, of rural Valparaiso, 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Lor- 
enz. Bill is employed as a machinist in 
McGill Mfg. Co. They have three chil- 
dren Susan (Mrs. Ron Montania), Wil- 
liam Lorenz, and John Edward. Faith 


Memorial Lutheran Church is. their 
church home. 
RUSSELL FRANZMAN 


Mr. and Mrs. Russell Franzman have 
resided in Hebron for twenty-five years. 
Mr. Franzman, the son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Oscar Franzman of Cannelton, Indiana, 
first came to this area in 1949 to ac- 
cept a position with the Porter County 
Herald where he is still employed as 
the manager. Mrs. Franzman, the form- 
er Phyllis Minniear, daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. Clarence Minniear of Markle, 
Indiana, also settled in Hebron in 1949 
accepting a teaching position with the 
Boone Township school system. She is 
still employed as a Spanish and English 
teacher in the Hebron High School. 


They have one son, Russell Hampton 
Franzman, who was born on February 1, 
1957, was graduated from Hebron High 
School, and has matriculated at Ferris 
State University in Big Rapids, Mich- 
igan. 

Mr. Franzman served as the Boone 
Township Trustee from 1959 to 1963. 
The Franzmans are members of the 
United Methodist Church and the St. 
Michael Lutheran Church of Hebron. 


SOLON FRENCH 


WHY did we live in Porter County? 
According to family stories my great 
grandfather Solon French was the first 
white baby born in what is known as 
Porter County? Vidette - Messenger 
stories state a Bailly to be the first. | 
do not know which is true. At least, 
Solon French was one of the first. He 
was a great man; he built cabinets— 
just more or less as a hobby plus 
for use in their home. He farmed. He 
was like a lawyer—many people came 
to him for legal advise. Then he had a 
son Burton French who had a son Glenn 
French who married Ruth Riley, all of 
Union Township (Solon lived in Val- 
paraiso). On June 4, 1920 Glenn and 
Ruth French had a daughter Phyllis 
who went all 12 years to Wheeler 
School. Ethel Ruth was her first teach- 
er and Miss Ruth had also taught Glenn 
French. Phyllis graduated from Gary 
Business College and was _ secretary 
for architects, attorney’s and then met 
Robert E. Stout from Medaryville and 
they married. He was in construction 
work on State Road 30 west of Val- 
paraiso. We married and moved to 
Union Mills where Robert worked at 
Kingsbury Ordinance Plant for 114 
years until he was drafted into World 
War Il. We had a daughter shortly after 
he went to the war—Roberta Dawn 
Stout. (Phyllis & Roberta are only chil- 
dren) Robert returned after 3 yrs. of 
service and continued in construction 
business self-employed. Roberta got 
her grade school at Wheeler and high 
school at American School in Chicago. 
She graduated from Famous Artist 
School in Westport, Connecticut. She 
is a well-known local artist, a member 
of Gary Artist League, shows in many 
local art exhibits, had the feature paint- 
ing in Gary Artist League show in 1975, 
shows at Amish Acres in Nappanne, In- 
diana; Frankfort, Ill. Gay Nineties Festi- 
val annually, and has studied under sev- 
eral well-known teachers of art. She 
has a number of ribbons in her oil 
paintings, watercolor, and sculpture 
work. She also does pen and ink, pen- 
cil drawings, etc. Stout’s live on a very 
small acreage but live close to the land 
—grind some of their own flour and 
do many of the early American ways. 


We do our own baking from scratch, 


composing some of our own recipes and 
have won recipe contests. We make our 
own yogurt for example. We do a lot of 
needlework—crocheting knitting, rya 
weaving, sewing, embroidery work, etc. 
We love the Lord and are associated 
with Faith Baptist Church. Our daugh- 
ter Roberta plays piano, organ, accor- 
dion, guitar, sings alto and | sing so- 
prano and we love to sing duets in 
hymns. Roberta has written the music 
to several new hymns. 


Robert has retired from construction 
work but still does the farming and 
gardening. 


EUGENE FROBERG 


Eugene Froberg, the eldest of three 
sons born to Mr. and Mrs. John Fro- 
berg, was born in Chicago, Illinois on 
October 23, 1910. John and Christina 
Froberg came from Sweden at a young 
age in 1899 and were married in Chica- 
go, Illinois on December 25, 1909. 
Mr. and Mrs. Froberg became the par- 
ents of Eugene, Chester, and Lawrence. 


Eugene and his parents moved to 
Chesterton, Indiana in 1911. He at- 
tended Valparaiso High School and Pur- 
due University. He was engaged in 
farming with his father in Porter Coun- 
ty until 1934. After that time he 
farmed a grain and beef cattle farm in 
Beecher, Illinois. From 1937-1940, Eu- 
gene worked in the Open Hearth of the 
U.S. Steel Mills in Gary, Indiana. While 
he was working there he started his 
career of selling Hinman milking ma- 
chines and later added the Badger 
Northland specialty line of farm ma- 
chinery of which he was a distributor. 
He remained in these two lines until 
1970 or 33 years of selling until he 
was forced to give up the road travel 
due to losing much of his eye sight from 
a dynamite accident on one of his farms 
in LaPorte County. 

Submitted by Eugene Froberg 


THE FRY FAMILY 


The Fry family has lived in Porter 
County, Indiana for 129 years. 

John Frey, now spelled Fry, was 
born in September 30, 1792, and his 
wife, Hannah Meeker Fry, left their 


home in Linesville, Pennsylvania, with 
their nine children to journey farther 
west. They traveled the old Joliet Road 
through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, 
reaching McHenry County, Ill. in Sep- 
tember, 1846. All became ill with ma- 
laria, so they turned back to the prairie 
lands of Indiana. 


At Valparaiso, John was so ill they 
had to discontinue their journey. The 
kindly western frontiersman lent a help- 
ing hand, but in spite of their aid, 
John died November 17, 1846. His 
widow and children, through the _ in- 
fluence of James Williams, were helped 
to secure land grants and soon became 
independent. 


Descendants, Kenneth Fry and his 
nephew, Lester Fry still reside on and 
farm a part of the original grant 314 
miles east of Hebron. 


Of the nine children of John and 
Hannah Fry, descendants of four of 
them still live in Porter County. To the 
best of our knowledge, this is a list of 
them: 


1. Descendants of Barbara Fry Lawson 
Ray Alyea and Family, Hebron 
Paul Alyea and family, Hebron 
Janet Sheetz and family, Hebron 
Wilma Antrim Leach and family, 

Valpo. 


Edna Antrim Poisel and family, 
Hebron 


2. Descendants of Hannah Jane Fry 
Sweeney 
Clara Lawrence, Hebron 
John Sweeney and family, Hebron 
Marlene Morrow and family, Hebron 


3. Descendants of William Fry 


Carl Dilley, Hebron 

Lois Hoagland and family, Hebron 

Gerald Fry, Hebron 

Wayne Fry and family, Hebron 

William Sweney and family, Hebron 

Elizabeth Cletcher and family, 
Valparaiso 


4. Descendants of Nathan Fry 


Kathryn Wiltfong and family, Hebron 
Donald Fry and family, Hebron 
Kenneth Fry, Hebron 
Lester Fry, Hebron 
Elizabeth Regan and family, Hebron 
DeWitt Fry, Valparaiso 
Sincerely yours, 
Kathryn Wiltfong 
Hebron, IN 
Elizabeth Regan 
Hebron, IN 


109 


110 


HERSHEL FURNESS 


HERSCHEL FURNESS—born Janu- 
ary 1896, son of Albert and Jane (Ma- 
lone) Furness. Married Lena Vetterley, 
now deceased. They were parents of ten 
children—Lester, Donald, Gordon, Lor- 
en, Lois Johnson, Audrey Buss, Rose- 
mary Braginton, Dorothy Dunn, Betty 
Ambrose, and Patricia Smith. He is a 
lifelong resident of Pine Township, his 
family coming to Porter County from 
Maine in the 1850’s. He comes from a 
seafaring family, several of his ances- 
tors were actively engaged in the Amer- 
ican Revolution, one having donated a 
ship to the cause. He traces his fam- 
ily back to the 1600’s in New England. 
He is now a retired farmer. Active in 
the Farm Bureau for many years, he 
now holds a life-time membership in 
that organization. Prior to 1967 he 
served aS a member of the Pine Town- 
ship Advisory Board for many years. 


LESTER H. FURNESS 


LESTER H. FURNESS, born Nov. 4, 
1916, a lifetime resident of Pine Town- 
ship, Porter County. He is the eldest 
son of Hershel and Lena (Vetterley) 
Furness. He is married to the former 
Janet Barfknecht of Michigan City. 

He is the father of 5 children, name- 
ly Clayton, Douglas, Jeffrey, Mrs. Rich- 
ard Niemiec, and Mrs. Terrence Kola- 
sa, all living in this vicinity. Served 
in World War II in the North Africa-Italy 
area, has been employed as an Oper- 
ating Engineer for more than 30 years, 
and is currently working for American 
Bridge Co., in Gary, Indiana. He was 
elected Trustee of Pine Township in 
1967, and is currently serving his third 
term in that office. 

He is a member of the Pine Twp. 
Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Pine 
Township Farm Bureau, and is a mem- 
ber of the M. C. Area Schools Holding 
Corporation. He and his family are 
members of the St. Paul Lutheran 
Church in Michigan City. 

Mrs. Furness handles the clerical 
work for the Trustee’s office, as well 
as being a Deputy Assessor for the 
Township. 


LOIS M. GUANT (GANT) 


Born July 5, 1907 at E. Union Street, 
Valparaiso. Parents: Professor P. A. 
Gant born March 15, 1869 (or 66) at 
Knimen, IN; died June 5, 1952. For 20 
years—until 1918, professor of sight 
Singing, ear training and voice at Val- 
paraiso, IN. Owned his own school of 
piano tuning in Kansas until 1924; 
returned to Valparaiso and established 
a circuit for tuning pianos, personally, 
in and around Valparaiso. Anna Marie 
E. Gant, nee Hagen, born November 
27, 1877; died April 25, 1948. At- 
tended school at Valparaiso University 
and normal school in Chicago. Taught 
school in a little schoolhouse on what 
is now highway 30, west of Boiling 
Springs about 14 mile and taught kin- 
dergarten in city school under Mrs. 
Hemstock; author of novel PSYCHIC 
CRISIS and 2 books of poems, MES- 
SAGES AND MEMOIRS and a book of 
poems about the university. 


P. A.’s parents were Noah M. Gant 
and Caroline C. Gant, whose parents 
came to Indiana from Kentucky. 


Anna’s parents were Herman Hagen, 
Sr. who came from Germany at age 28, 
and Margaret Elizabeth Hagen, nee 
Durner, who was born in Castle Gar- 
dens, 1 hour after her mother landed 
in this country. 

Anna’s parents settled in the 1860's 
in what is now Center Township, on the 
old Tower Road, midway between what 
is now highway 130 and old highway 
30. She attended the old Leonard 
School, located on the old Tower Road 
and old 30. Her brothers were Herman, 
Jr.; Otto and Arthur and sister Clara 
Foster Phillips. 


P.A.’s parents lived between De- 
Motte and Rensselaer on what is now 
highway 8 at Gant’s corners. His broth- 
ers were Jerome, Marion, Frank, John 
and Leuel S., his sisters were Jennie 
(Martha Jane) and Frances (Francini). 


Lois was a tutor of voice and piano, 
attended Valparaiso University for 21, 
years. Married, first Edward Briese of 
Port Washington, Wis.—2 _ children, 
Elizabeth June Chester, nee Briese and 
Joseph Gant Briese; married second 
Frank Grasse of Park Falls, Wis.—1 
child, Francis Otto. Lois also sang for 
social events, weddings, funerals and 
memorial services, and was on the road 
in vaudeville as accompanist and singer 


for a Spanish Dancing team. No clubs 
or other affiliations except now, R.S.V.P. 
member, work 3 days a week at His- 
torical Society Museum and spend one 


day a week at the Willows. Residence 
Rt. 13, Box 41, Valparaiso. 
CLARENCE ALBERT GARRIOTT 


Clarence Albert Garriott was born at 
Crothersville, Jackson Co. in southern 
Indiana on Oct. 3, 1890. He moved with 
his parents, Emery and Mary Ellen 
Jones Garriott and family when quite 
young to Jasper Co. Indiana where he 
later married Addie Fern Casey, daugh- 
ter of George W. and Frances Ellen 
(Keener) Casey. 

Clarence and his wife moved in the 
year 1918 to Porter Co. in Washington 
Twp. on a farm owned by W. E. Pinney 
who was also president of the First 
State Bank of Valparaiso. All of the 
buildings were new when they moved 
on the farm. 

The following year Clarence, Ferne 
and family moved to Morgan Township 
on a 240 acre farm owned by John 
Mayotte of Watseka, Illinois. While liv- 
ing here they had Jersey cows and sold 
cream to Home Ice Co.: now Brown’s 
Dairy and also Clarence was the owner 
of beautiful Black Percheron horses 
which he raised and sold. He exhibited 
his Percherons at the Crown Point Fair 
and our local Porter County Fair, win- 
ning Grand Champion and champion 
ribbons and honors. They rented this 
farm until 1935 and that year they 
moved on an adjoining farm which they 
had purchased. This farm was formerly 
known as the Henry Stoner farm, also 
a 240 acre farm. Henry Stoner was 
the father of Dr. G. H. Stoner, a Val- 
paraiso doctor for many years. 

The farm was nearly enclosed with 
hedge and Clarence, his son Delos, and 
hired help pulled all the hedge and 
straight wood was saved and used for 
fence posts to soon fence the farm and 
many improvements were made. New 
farm buildings were built, it was a 
dairy farm for several years and Black 
Angus and Hereford cattle were fed. 
The original large frame house was de- 
stroyed by fire in February 1958 and 
with the help of good neighbors the 
debris was soon removed. A new brick 
ranch type house was erected that 
spring on the identical spot the other 
house was. 


Clarence and Ferne were the parents 
of three children, Virginia Ellen, now 
Mrs. John W. Ludington of Valparaiso, 
Clarence Delos, who passed away Dec. 
20, 1964, and Doris Kathryn Courtney 
of Chicago. 


Clarence is a past 50 year member 
of Porter Co. Farm Bureau. His wife, 
Ferne, passed away Nov. 2, 1969. She 
was a member of Christian Church, 
Prairie Country Club and Neighborhood 
Club. They were one of the fortunate 
couples who could celebrate their Gold- 
en Wedding Anniversary. 


Ferne was also a member of the 
Homemakers Club of Morgan Township. 


JUNE L. GIANIS 


June L. Gianis is the daughter of 
Lydia Lenius Westbay and Goodwin M. 
Westbay whose parents, Jerusha Wil- 
liams Westbay and Leander Westbay, 
came from Lake Co., Ind. to a farm in 
Porter Twp., Porter Co. in 1898. In 
1919 June was born on that farm on 
CR100S. She went to first grade at 
Kenworthy School. Locally, the school 
was known as Mud Lake School. It was 
a one room red brick school on a hill 
above Mud Lake. Later the bricks were 
used for Wixson’s chicken house which 
is still being used. June liked school 
and the teacher so much that she de- 
cided on the first day of school to be- 
come a teacher. In later years she 
taught at Morgan Twp. School with her 
former first grade teacher (Mrs. Jo- 
seph) Hazel Brown, who later taught in 
Valparaiso for many years. June and 
her brother Lee and sisters Juanita and 
Eileen attended Columbia, Gardner, 
Banta and Central Jr. High Schools. 
June was graduated from Valparaiso 
High School in 1937. She received her 
teaching license after completing two 
years at Central Normal College. She 
earned a B.S. from Manchester College 
in 1962, the same year her son Robert 
graduated from Boone Grove High 
School. She earned a M.S. from Indi- 
ana University in 1967. June has 
taught 30 years—23 at Boone Grove, 
27 in Porter County. In 1942 she was 


married to H. Eugene Phillips. They 
have two children, Robert E. Phillips 
and (Mrs. Dennis) Anita Wallace. Both 
families live in Porter Co. Robert works 
at McGills. He and his wife Judy Pauley 


of Milwaukee have a daughter Cindy, 
7 years old, and a son Dale who is 5. 
Anita works at Lowenstines. She has a 
daughter Bobbie Lynne who is 6. In 
1969 June was married to William J. 
Gianis of Chicago. He is now a letter 
carrier in Valparaiso. June is active in 
Fine Art Dept. of Woman’s Club, Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison Chapter D. A. R. 
(has held all offices), Salem United 
Methodist Church of RR 1, Hebron, in 
United Teacher’s Organization, Boone 
Grove P. T. O. and the International 
Reading Association. 


LISA GINGERICH 


My name is Lisa Gingerich, | am 
eleven years old. | have one sister Ken- 
dra, who is 13 years old. | also have 
one brother, Brent, he is 15. My moth- 
er’s name is Claramae she is 31. She 
works with my Aunt Lina at Lina’s 
Bridal Shop. My dad’s name is Don he 
is also 31. He has a company for 
Standard Oil. He also drives bus #5 
for Kouts schools. Also my mom and 
dad and my uncle Roland Good are the 
Hopewell Singers. My uncle (Roland 
Good) is employed at McGills. Also his 
wife Janet (my aunt) works at the 
Northern Indiana Bank and Trust Co. 
| also have a Grandma and Grandpa, 
Joe and Ada Gingerich that live up in 
town. My grandpa (Joe Gingerich) 
worked for 34 years as a janitor at 
Kouts school, he retired in 75. My 
family has lived in Kouts all our lives, 
because my father has a real good job. 
My father has gained 3 very good jobs 
since then. My sister and | twirled 
baton in the Memorial Day parade. My 
brother played his coronet in the par- 
ade. He plays in all the parades. Our 
family lived in Kouts out in the country 
where it was quiet—3 or 4 neighbors. 

Now our house is surrounded with 
houses. | have 7 cats and 1 dog. The 
dogs name is Nappy (Napoleon). My 
cats names are Samantha, Glenda, Tig- 
ger, Mittens, Tootsie, Smokye and Bub- 
bles. | also have a puppy George. | 
play flute in the Kouts band. | enjoy it 
very much, it’s fun. My best friends 
are Shelly Sitzman, Julie Vollrath, Su- 
san Gant and Jeannie Nuest. | also love 
school, spelling and reading are my fa- 
vorite subjects. | like spelling best. 


LUELLA HELEN DAUMER AND 
EVERETT HARRY GLANCY 


Everett Harry Glancy was born July 
20, 1912 in Westville, Indiana to Loie 
Thomas Glancy and Richard Glancy. 
His mother was from Westville, Indiana, 
and his father from LaPorte, Indiana. 


Luella Helen Daumer was born De- 
cember 7, 1914 in Hammond, Indiana, 
to Charles Herman Daumer and Rose 
Bick Daumer. Her father was from the 
Hammond, Indiana area, and her moth- 
er was born in New Buffalo, Michigan. 


They were married June 9, 1934 in 
Hammond, Indiana and resided there 
until November, 1940 when they moved 
to a small house in Liberty Township, 
Porter County, Indiana. In 1943, they 
moved to a larger home and the follow- 
ing March moved to a farm again in 
Liberty Township. They resided there 
until 1948 when, during that summer, 
they again moved to a different location 
within the township and built a home 
where they presently reside. 


Three children were born from this 
marriage including: Thomas James — 
July 21, 1936; Jack Lee—July 9, 1937; 
and Chery! Lynn—August 17, 1949. 


Everett retired in 1975 from his for- 
mer occupation as an insurance agent. 


Luella was employed for over 11 
years as secretary to the Athletic Direc- 
tor of Valparaiso University until Feb- 
ruary, 1966 when she joined the ad- 
ministration staff at the Duneland 
School Corporation where she is still 
actively employed. 


CAROL FRANCES KRAUSE 
GLANCY AND THOMAS 
JAMES GLANCY 


Carol Frances Krause Glancy was 
born May 6, 1939 to Dorothy M. Bolles 
Krause and Carl Albert Otto Krause. 
Her mother is from Lockport, Illinois 
and is a descendant of the Tupper fam- 
ily which was one of the founding fami- 
lies of Sandwich, Massachusetts. 

Her father is from Knox, Indiana. 

Thomas James Glancy was born July 
21, 1936 to Luella Helen Daumer Glan- 
cy and Everett Harry Glancy. His moth- 
er was born in Hammond, Indiana, and 
his father was from Westville, Indiana. 

They were married June 14, 1958 in 
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Porter, Indi- 
ana. They resided in Jackson Township 


111 


until the summer of 1959 when they 
moved to the Furnessville area. Thomas 
worked as a cost accountant for the 
Budd Company in Gary, Indiana. In 
July, 1961 they moved to Lake Toma- 
hawk, Wisconsin where he took employ- 
ment as a field auditor for Consolidated 
Papers of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. 


In November, 1964 they returned to 
Liberty Township in Porter County where 
he took employment as the general 
manager for Calumet Propane Gas 
Company in Gary, Indiana. 


In 1965, he took a position with the 
Calumet Publishing Company as con- 
troller. A year later he was promoted to 
treasurer and added the title of Vice- 
President in 1967. The company 
merged with Panax Corporation from 
East Lansing, Michigan in October 
1972 and changed its name to Panax 
Publishing Company. In November 
1974 the family moved to a new home 
in Jackson Township. A year later in 
November, 1975 Thomas was given the 
additional title of general manager of 
the Panax Publishing Newspaper Divi- 
sion. 


Three children came of this union: 
Laura Marie — January 20, 1960 in 
Gary, Indiana, and Leslie Ann and Lisa 
Ann on May 11, 1962 in Rhinelander, 
Wisconsin. 


Thomas is a graduate of Liberty Cen- 
ter High School and Indiana University 
where he majored in Accounting and 
minored in Journalism and English. He 
is listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest 
and Who's Who in the United States. 


Carol is a graduate of Jackson Town- 
ship High School and has the distinc. 
tion of having graduated with the small- 
est class ever from that school, totaling 
only five students. 


She and her mother are making plans 
to attend the Tupper reunion in Sand- 
wich, Massachusetts in September, 
1976. 


Together they formed Hoosier Publi- 
cations, Inc. in 1968. This company 
publishes Hoosier Outdoors Magazine 
which is the largest circulated outdoor 
publication in the state of Indiana. Both 
are actively involved in the writing field 
and have contributed articles to several 
regional and national publications. 


RITA GOOD 


My name is Rita Good. | have 7 
people in my family. | am in fifth grade. 
I'm ten years old. | was born February 
iwenty-sixth. | have three sisters and 
one brother and me. 

(Father) James Arthur Good he’s 37. 
(Mother) Lara Mae Good she’s 35. Pam- 
ela Faye Good she’s 11. (Me) Rita Sue 
Good I'm 10. Rodney James Good he’s 
9. Soya Kay Good she’s 7. Krista Lynn 
Good she’s 4. 

My dad lived in Porter County when 
he was a boy. My dad met my mom's 


brother in service. My sister Pam was 


born in service. 


GOTT, RICHARD, CONSTANCE 
AND SONYA 


Residence, 811 E. Chicago Street, 
Valparaiso. 


Richard Harlan Gott was born in Val- 
paraiso to Harlan Gott and Anne Wilson 
Gott on December 16, 1947. Dick at- 
tended Valparaiso schools, served in 
the U.S. Navy and on the Valparaiso 
Police Department. He is now em- 
ployed by Bethlehem Steel Corporation. 

Constance Rae was born to James B. 
Dean and Dolores Johnson Dean in Val- 
paraiso on November 8, 1949. She at- 
tended Valparaiso schools and Indiana 
University in Bloomington. 


Dick and Connie were married on 
May 30, 1971. Sonya Rae Gott was 
born to them on September 6, 1972. 


JAMES GRAVES 


My name is James Graves. There are 
five people in my family. My dad Lewis 
is 32. He works for Good and Sons 
Construction Company. My mom Mary 
is 34, she is a housewife. My sister 
Gail is 9. My brother Donnie is 5 and 
lam 11. We all go to Kouts School. 


We used to live in Lakewood, Colo- 
rado. While we lived in Colorado we 
enjoyed camping and hiking in the 
Rocky Mountains. My dad ran out of 
work there, so we moved to Kouts, 
Indiana. 


My mom’s parents live in North Jud- 
son, Indiana. My dad’s parents live in 
Walton, Kansas. My ancestors lived in 
Russia, then Germany and finally they 
moved to Kansas in 1875, and started 


a settlement. Now all that is left are 
the ruins of a school house and a ceme- 
tery where my great, great, great grand- 
father is buried. 

My family and | have lived in Porter 
County for 10 months. Since we now 
live in the country, | don’t think | would 
enjoy living in a big city again. 


GUST GRIEGER 


When Gust H. Grieger, the son of 
Emil and Amelia (nee Krueger) Grieger 
was married to Gusta L. Mohlke, the 
daughter of August and Augusta (nee 
Schmidt) Mohlke of La Porte County 
on December 26, 1907, they bought 
the Massom farm in Morgan Township. 
They lived here all their lives and cele- 
brated their 50th anniversary at the 
REMC hall in Wanatah in December of 
1957. On November 22, 1958 Mr. 
Grieger passed away at the Porter Me- 
morial Hospital. Mrs. Grieger remained 
on the farm until January 22, 1970 
when she became ill and was taken to 
the Valparaiso hospital and later to 
Whispering Pines where she has been 
ever since. 

During Mr. Grieger’s lifetime he was 
a grain and dairy farmer. He was active 
in politics and was a staunch Repub- 
lican. He served on the advisory board 
in Morgan Township several years. He 
also was on the board of directors many 
years for the South Wanatah Grain and 
Elevator Company. Many times he was 


called for jury duty. Therefore he led 


a busy and active life. 

To this union was born a daughter, 
Melba, who later married Andrew Lenz 
of Hammond where they lived until 


1972 when Mr. Lenz retired from Sin- 


clair, now Arco Oil Company after 38 
years of service. Mrs. Lenz was active 
in the Valparaiso University Guild, she 
served as president of that organization 
in Hammond. They later moved out to 
the old homestead with the Grieger’s 
son, Elmer G. Grieger, and his wife, 
Helen Warren, of Medaryville. They 
have lived in Hammond, Indiana, lowa 


and Wisconsin. He was retired from the 


Shell Oil Company in 1971 after 36 
years of service. He was a baseball 
pitcher for the Valparaiso Pontiacs and 
for Shell in the Industrial League of 
Hammond. He later did play some pro- 
fessional baseball. At the present time 
the retirees are taking care of Mrs. 
Grieger’s farm and living in the remod- 
eled house that is about 75 years old. 


In the early years the roads were all 
dirt roads—now most of them are grav- 
el but really need to be blacktopped as 
the dust does pollute the air just ter- 
rible. The Gust Griegers traveled by a 
horse driven surry to San Pierre, La- 
Porte, Valpo, Wanatah and Hanna. Even 
the school bus was pulled by horses. 
This had a little wood burning stove 
under the wagon with a chimney up the 
side of the bus. The children were 
bussed to the old Schroeder School. 
(This was later bought and torn down 
by Ernst Mohike and he built the now 
Ford garage and living space in Wana- 
tah from the lumber.) The children 
were later picked up by a motorized bus 
and taken to the Morgan school on 
Route 49 near Malden. 


Mr. Grieger often told about when 
someone died years ago the corpse 
would be brought to the family home 
and a big wreath placed on the front 
door. Then each evening four or five 
men would sit up all night with the 


~ body. That was the custom in those 


times. 


There were many warm friends and 
neighbors in this area and they often 
gathered in homes for quilting bees, 
feather stripping parties, dances and 
card parties. Later there were so many 
people who came to the dances that 
they went to the large barns for round 
and square dancing. Music was often 
furnished by Ed. Schultz with his violin, 
George Gloff of Clinton Township played 
the dulcimer and Mr. Dinse played the 
accordian. Everyone had a good time 
— including a lunch. 

In 1941 Mr. and Mrs. Gust Grieger 


were the first prize winners for the neat- 
est farm of the Pure Milk Association 
and won a wonderful trip to Florida. 
They also held open house and people 
came from far and near. The first and 
very distinguished visitor was the late 
Governor Schricker, a resident of Knox. 
This was one of the biggest thrills of the 
Griegers’ lives. 


During the winter the men would cut 
trees down—the good ones were sawed 
into lumber at a saw mill and the poor 
Ones would be buzzed by a group of 
men to be used for wood during the 
cold days. The lumber in the Griegers’ 
barn was of oak trees cut out of his 
woods. Of course the siding he bought. 
The barn is in good condition yet, it was 
built in 1928. 


When the men had time and the first 
snow fell they would go fox and wolf 
hunting. Many of them also trapped 
along the creeks. This gave them extra 
money as they would skin and stretch 
the hides and sell them. These men 
often went fishing down to the Kanka- 
kee River and camped a couple of 
nights. They used to bring back tubs of 
fish, but now it doesn’t seem so good. 


Most of the farmers farmed 150 to 
200 acres of land and with horse drawn 
implements. They made a good living 
then. Now they need to farm a lot more 
acres. One of the biggest jobs was 
thrashing. After the oats, wheat and 
rye were cut and tied into bundles by 
a binder and set into shocks by hand to 
dry then would come the thrashing. 
About 20 or 25 men would gather at 
one place to do the work and the women 
would get together and cook a big din- 
ner. That was a job and you never saw 
so much food. Those men could really 
ea. because they worked hard. Those 
were the good old days. Mrs. Grieger 
often speaks about these big meals 
that she cooked and helped cook. She 
enjoyed that as she enjoyed the many 
years on the farm. She always liked to 
have her grandsons and one grand- 
daugnter spend a few days with her. 
She now has seven great grandchildren 
and two great great grandchildren. They 
visit her frequently at Whispering Pines 
where she has been for over five years. 
All the girls working there have been so 
good to her and she has had excellent 
care. They have brought her out of 
many sick spells and she is in fairly 
good health yet. Thanks to them! 


THE GUSTAFSONS OF PORTER 
COUNTY 


More than one hundred years ago in 
the rural area of Sweden near Goteborg 
there was a very disturbed young man: 
Nils Peter Gustafson. Here he was al- 
most forty years of age with a wife and 
eight children with what seemed a very 
dull future before him. He was a farmer 
but there was little chance of his ever 
owning his own farm due to the land 
purchasing system then in use in Swe- 
den. Besides, poor crops were plaguing 
the farmers. Reports coming from 
America were so bright. Government 
land was to be had. And hadn’t Amer- 
ica been good to his brother, Adolph? 
Adolph had arrived in Chesterton, Indi- 
ana in 1857 where he taught school. 
At Bailly Town he helped build the first 
church and served as its pastor. Be- 
sides this he farmed the Fred Linder- 
man farm just south of Chesterton. 
Later he had a store in town. He mar- 
ried and raised a family of fourteen 
children. He stumped the country for 
Abraham Lincoln and organized the 
Scandinavian Clubs to support him. 
Later Adolph served in the 73rd Indi- 
ana Volunteers in the Civil War. 


With such reliable first-hand reports, 
Nils decided to try his luck in America 
near his brother. Naturally his wife’s 
people heartily disapproved of this 
move but to no avail. Another obstacle 
was in Store for Nils and his family. In 
converting his Swedish money to 
American, Nils was short changed. So 
instead of the whole family sailing to- 
gether to the new land, Nils and the 
four older children (Andrew 11, John 
10, Christina 9 and Charles 7) arrived 
in New York on August 24, 1868 leav- 
ing his wife, Anna Louise, and the four 
younger children (Mary 7, Adolph 5, 
Anna 3 and Clara 1) to come later. 


Nils worked and sent passage money 
for the rest of his family. During the 
voyage little Anna became very ill—so 
ill that her mother held her most all of 
the time for fear the sailors would think 
the little girl was dead and would bury 
her at sea. 


Supplies ran low on the long trip. 
Adolph with his little pail could always 
get extra water rations for the family 
Since the sailors found him cute and 
amusing and would give him more. 


America proved to be a great disap- 


113 


114 


pointment to Anna Louise since she 
ended up living in her brother-in-law’s 
granary. This first home in America 
was a far cry from her dream of a coun- 
try whose streets were ‘‘paved with 


gold.’’ She died broken hearted after 
a few short years in the new land. This 
left young Christina to mother the 
growing children. 

Soon a young lad, ‘‘Hod’’ Babcock, 
came courting Christina. He came 
from Babcock Station just down the 
B & O tracks to the farm Nils had 
bought for himself and his son John. 
(In later years John’s son Edward would 
live here so that the land is now known 
as the Ed Gustafson farm.) 

Hod farmed and then tried home- 
steading in Kansas. Heat, insects, and 
water shortage caused him to return to 
Indiana. He settled in Porter where he 
was a contractor who moved buildings. 
He moved the first building iinto Gary 
—a small railroad office. He also 
moved buildings for Frances Howe who 
was a descendant of Joseph Bailly. 
Bailly—the first white pioneer of the 
area—had established the Bailly home- 
stead in the early 1820s. 

Two of Hod and Christina's children 
died in infancy. Those that lived num- 


bered nine: Virgil, Roy, Charles, Loyal, 
Camilla, Dean, Winona, Dewey and 
Wayne. 

Andrew Gustafson married Hod’s sis- 
ter, Lenore Babcock. They farmed the 
land on the corner just north of the 
present Dewey Babcock farm. Andrew 
and Lenore had two girls: Frances and 
Inez, and three sons: William, Art and 
George. Lenore died and Frances was 
now the ‘mother’. Later Andrew mar- 
ried a widow, Olia Carlson. They moved 
to the 300 block on Greenwich Street 
in Valparaiso where they ran a rooming 
house for the Valparaiso University stu- 
dents. Oliva’s daughter lived with them. 
Later they had a daughter, Althea. 

In those days there was little work 
for young men except farming, so John 
Gustafson went to work for a young 
widow, Laurie (Stauffer) Robbins who 
lived in the house on the corner of Rob- 
bins Road and Highway 149 with her 
daughter, Olive. John later married 
Laurie and they had two children—Ed- 
ward and Blanche. After John died his 
brother, Adolph, helped Laurie farm 
and there he met Inez McConkey, 
teacher of the Robbins School who 
boarded with Laurie. They were mar- 
ried and for many years farmed the 


‘“‘Od’’ Gustafson farm south of Valpar- 
aiso. They had three sons: Robert and 
two who died in infancy. 

Charles became a railroad man and 
lived in Port Huron. He lost his hand 
in an accident on the railroad. He 
married Elizabeth Mitchell. They had 
no children. 

Mary Gustafson went to work on the 
Morgan farm. The Morgans were plo- 
neers who settled east of Chesterton— 
the original name of which was Morgan- 
town. From the buildings and school 
house still standing, we know that they 
were a very prosperous family. Mary 
must have been a diligent, responsible 
person for she worked in the ‘main’ 
house. 

On this same farm a young neighbor, 
Willard Friday, worked. Willard and 
Mary met here and were soon married. 
They lived on the Friday farm where 
several children were born to them with 
only Grace and Russell growing to 
adulthood. Russell lived with his father 
until the father’s death. (Willard had 
been born on this farm, lived there all 
his life and died there at the age of 
ninety.) Russell then farmed alone. 

Anna was only six when her mother 
died, so she lived with a brother until 
she was ten. Then she went to work on 
a farm where she would be furnished 
board, clothes and six months of 
school. After several years she worked 
for John Eglin west of Valparaiso. For 
five years of service she was to receive 
a cow and a set of dishes. When she 
was seventeen, she got the cow, the 
dishes and a husband, Frank, John 
Eglin’s son. Anna and Frank lived with 
the Eglins because John was _ Dlind. 
They had several children but Marchie 
and Tracy were the only ones to live to 
adulthood. 

For many years Marchie lived in the 
East with her former pastor and his 
family. Tracy was a very conscientious 
night policeman for thie city of Valpar- 
aiso. He often boasted that he was the 
one who discovered the courthouse fire. 

After Frank and Anna Eglin moved 
to Valparaiso, they ran an ice cream 
store and later, a hitch barn which was 
a block-long building across the street 
from the present Post Office. Due to 
the weight of snow from a severe storm 
the roof collapsed. Marchie and her 
father ran a neighborhood store on the 
corner of Lincolnway and Napoleon 
Street. 


Clara Gustafson died in infancy and 
Emma Gustafson—the only one of Nils’ 
children to be born in America—died 
at the age of twenty. 

Nils Gustafson lived alone in later 
years in a comfortable little cabin and 
died at age 58 from a heart attack. 

It was too bad that Nils and Anna 
Gustafson could not have lived to see 
their descendants thrive in this new 
land, becoming successful farmers, fine 
homemakers, good teachers, skilled 


mechanics, wise business men and out- 
standing military people. They would 
have been proud to see them helping to 
build a strong America. 


“ ae » 
MRS. KATHRYN HALL 


Mrs. Kathryn Hall, 87, a Flint Lake 
area resident, was born in Apalachicola, 
Fla. Her father was a British sea cap- 
tain who was murdered at sea by pirates 
six months before she was born. She 
grew up on her mother’s family planta- 
tion in a southern aristocratic atmos- 
phere. 

Mrs. Hall received an artist’s diploma 
from the Juilliard School of Music. Her 
husband died when her son Wallace W. 
‘Jack’ Hall was four years old, after 
which time she took a secretarial job 
and continued her study in music. Jack 
was nine when she gave a graduating 
recital. She is the proud grandparent 
of Larry, who is married and living in 
Danville, Ill., David and Richard. Re- 
cently she was made a great-grand- 
mother by the birth of a baby girl. 

She is an accomplished pianist, for- 
merly an operatic star with the Boston 
English Opera Co., and is a composer. 


She was certified as a school music 
supervisor and was on the Florida State 
University’s faculty for 18 years. 

Mrs. Hall still teaches piano and has 
16 pupils. She has been active in the 
Senior Citizens’ Club and in the Action 
program of the Retired Senior Volunteer 
Program. Children she assists in read- 
ing at Central Elementary School call 
her grandmother. 

A collection of memoirs and pro- 
grams of her recitals are kept in scrap- 
books. Hymns as well as a concerto 
she composed. The concerto took four 
years of work. 


CATHERINE HALLWELL 


My name is Catherine Hallwell, I’m 
10 years of age and also in the 6th 
grade. | have three brothers and three 
sisters. Their names are, Susan, 23 
years of age, studying for a teaching 
degree at Ball State University. John, 
21 years of age, studying Biology at 
Florida State. Lisa, 21 years of age, 
married, lives in Valpo. She also works. 
Mary, 18 years of age, got her diploma 
in 1975 at Kouts High School. Mike, 
17 years of age, 12th grade at Kouts 
High School. Pat, 12 years of age, in 
the 7th grade at Kouts High also. 


We are renting a small house in 
Wheatfield and we wanted a bigger 
house so we bought this house that we 
live in now. I’m in Girl Scouts. 


THE HAMANN FAMILY AND S. 
E., PORTER COUNTY 


SETTLEMENT 

Frederick Carl Hamann (1839-1921) 
left home—his oldest brother’s inherit- 
ance—after his required years in the 
German army and came to America just 
after the Civil War. After a few years 
in Chicago he quit his job at a meat 
packing plant and became a farmhand 
for a man who sold cattle and hogs. 


Hamann was interested in owning 
land and having his own stock farm; 
and when he heard about a German 
settlement in northern Indiana where 
land was cheap, he came to LaPorte. 
There he met the Johann Hillman fam- 
ily at the Lutheran Church and soon 
was courting a brown-eyed black-haired 
girl. When she refused marriage this 
31 year old blond with a sandy cropped 
beard and blue eyes promptly per- 
suaded her twin sister, Sophia Hill- 


mann (1839-1910), to marry him 
(1870). He bought a lot with a small 
house and stabled his horse in the lean- 
to woodshed. Soon 10 acres were pur- 
chased near LaPorte which he tilled 
with his one-horse walking plow, a drag 
made of boards driven through with old 
rail spikes, a single-row hand corn- 
planter plus hand tools, to produce the 
family vegetables and corn for his horse 
and two pigs. For income he continued 
as a farmhand and pruned hedge 
fences, fruit trees, and bushes. 


A few years later the LaPorte proper- 
ties were traded for 40 acres in the 
southwest corner of LaPorte County— 
rich upland, virgin woods and marsh 
bordering the Kankakee. With frugal 
living, long hours of hard hand labor 
in the fields by all the family, and rais- 
ing cattle, sheep, and hogs, chickens, 
ducks, geese and turkeys, land pur- 
chases were increased to 600 acres, in- 
cluding 160 A. in S.E. Porter County. 
Gradually additions were made to the 
Original 2-room house with a pantry 
and a summer kitchen until it became 
a stately 8-room 2-story white house 
with two long porches. A tool house, 
granary, chicken house and corncribs 
were built. The log barn was displaced 
with a 45-foot red barn which housed 8 
horses, 2 colt or calf pens, a 3-horse 
binder, a 2-horse cornplanter and hay 
mower, and a fringed-top surrey. 


Hamann was civic minded. As soon 
as his citizenship was established he 
registered as a Republican. He once 
remarked that Democrats were like kit- 
tens that didn’t have their eyes open 
yet. He, with his team and road scrap- 
er, and the neighbors (Heimberg, Mil- 
ler, Stowell, Fluallen, Kellerman and 
Smith) ditched up the first east and 
west roadbed (c.r. 1300 s) and built 
the first one-room eight-grade school- 
house in south Pleasant Twp. (Stowell, 
1880) so that their children would have 
a place to receive education. In 1904-5, 
with a few other influential men, Ham- 
ann petitioned State sanction for dredg- 
ing the Kankakee River to straighten 
and deepen the channel westward which 
made possible drainage of the sour soil 
and malarian marshes in south LaPorte 
and Porter counties to develop the 
many high-yielding valuable farms there 
today. 


Sophia (Hillman) Hamann (1838- 
1910) was a trained nursemaid in Ger- 


115 


116 


many and a skilled seamstress. She 
hated the hard lonely life of pioneer 
farming, the malaria-laden summers, 
and the cold wet winters, and feared 
the Porter county prairie fires. She 
made the soap, washed the clothes with 
board and tub, churned the butter, did 
the cooking, baking, fruit and meat pre- 
serving—cleaned the gut and stuffed 
the summer sausage, liver, blood, and 
‘““‘bratwurst’’ that smoked with the ham 
and bacon and domestic duck breasts. 
She did all the family sewing by hand 
from heavy unbleached muslin under- 
garments, bedclothes—sheets, corn 
husk and straw ticks, even fly covers 
for the horses, to stiff blue denim 
pants, overstockings, mittens, caps and 
vests with her own spinning wheel yarn. 


Occasionally, once or twice a year, 
Sophia rode along when Hamann went 
to town with cloth sacks filled with 
wheat and rye to be ground into flour. 
When Anderson and Denzine set up the 
steam-powered roller mill, the trip was 
made to Kouts. Over ten miles, it took 
nearly all day with a team and wagon 
and was most uncomfortable. The roads 
were rough wagon tracks—sometimes 
hot, dry and dusty; sometimes muddy, 
full of deep ruts with places where wa- 
ter reached the hubs. The wagon seat 
was no more than a buffalo skin thrown 
over a flat board laid across the top 
front of the box wagon. Hamann would 
make stops at Anderson’s Shop for 
harness parts, collars, sweat pads, bits, 
buckles, halter rope; at the Salt Shed 
for a barrel of coarse salt (used for fam- 
ily and livestock consumption and for 
preserving beef, mutton and pork); at 
Fred Rosenbaum’s Hardware for nails, 
steeples, barbed wire, the new hand 
post-hole digger, a grain scope, a milk 
pail (once it was an iron wood stove 
with four little ‘“‘eisen’’ glass windows 
in the front door); at Hayes Blacksmith 
Shop for a welding job, plowshare or 
wheel repair or to have the horses shod 
for winter. Sophia would stop at Rosen- 
baum’s General Store with her delicious 
butter (sold at 5 - 6¢ per Ib.) and bas- 
kets of eggs. She would look longingly 
at the bolts of calico, velvets, and lace 
but always the trade went for sugar, 
small kegs of herring, kerosene, shoes 


for the children, thread, buttons, need- 
les, and for those new jars and real 
zinc screw lids with MASON’S PATENT 
NOV. 30TH 1858 pressed in the glass. 


Sophia mothered five children. Her 
health gradually declined after the 
death of their beautiful beloved Sophie 
(1877-1901). Louise (1872-1933), the 
oldest, was employed at EDISON ELEC- 
TRIC, Chicago, for many years. Edwina 
(1874-1969) m. Edward Salzer. Wil- 
liam (1883-1928) farmed with his fath- 
er and brother Fred until his marriage 
to Dora Heimberg (deceased at birth of 
their daughter Ardella (WATKINS mer. 
Mound City, Kan.); William lost interest 
in his own farm in Pleasant Twp. and 
later operated a garage and restaurant 
in Kouts; m. Caroline Klemz. They have 
four children: Wilma (m. Elroy Ed- 
wards), Roland (m. Barbara Cunning- 
ham), Amy (m. Horst DeFries), Joan 
(m. Richard Hambrock). 

Frederick II ‘‘Fred’’ m. Alma Schuene- 
man, farmed the Hamann land until his 
death (1876-1951). Eleanor (1902- 
1945) m. Elmer Stassen of Wanatah. 
Their only daughter Lorraine (m. 
Dwight Lauman) is a legal secretary in 
Valparaiso; has two sons, Jeffry and 
Bradley. Robert Haman (m. Irene Al- 
berding) owns farms in Porter and 
Stark County; has one son Ronald, 
farmer, m. Geraldene Birky. Renetta 
Haman (1913-1974) m. Dallis Timm, 
south county farmer; son Roger does 
trucking and Susan is a nurse. George 
Haman, m. Lenora Dust; owns farms in 
Jasper and Porter county; has one son, 
Leslie. Herbert Haman, m. Thelma Hy- 
att, operated the Hamann farm until re- 
tired; their daughter Barbara m. Russel 
Pumroy, Pleasant Twp. farmer; Freder- 
ick Ill, m. Carol Harwood, is director 
mfg. service for INLEX PHARMACEUTI- 
CAL CO. Richard, career undecided. 

Harold Haman, m. Marlene Stowers, 
(children: Thelma, Cindy, Troy) and 
Melvin Haman, m. Barbara Soplanda, 
(children: Brett, Tracy, Ryan). These 
two great-grandsons today operate the 
Hamann estate of 800 acres in LaPorte 


and adjoining Porter county with speed 
tractors and modern combines and 
raise as high as 75 head of beef cattle 
and 200 hogs annually. 


THOMAS P. HANNON 


Thomas P. Hannon, fourth child of 
John F. Hannon and Julia B. (Gannon) 
Hannon, and his wife Helen (Stalbaum) 
Hannon, born July 11, 1927 in Jasper 
County; were married June 18, 1949. 

They live on the farm where Thomas 
was born May 13, 1924. Thomas has 
been active with beef and swine proj- 
ects as a young boy and with his three 
oldest children who were 4-H members 
10 years through their childhood. At 
present Thomas is on the 4-H Council 
representing Morgan Township. 

The four children to Thomas and 
Helen Hannon union are: 

1. Barbara A. Hannon (Lucas) born 
November 23, 1950. 

2. Charles P. Hannon born Novem- 
ber 2, 1951. 

3. Agnes L. Hannon (Sweeney) born 
August 29, 1953. 

4. Diane R. Hannon born May 13, 
1967. 


WILLIAM HANRAHAN 


The Hanrahan name in Porter County 
began about 1872 when William Hanra- 
han came to the United States on an 
orphan boat from Ireland. A brother 
and two sisters landed with him at New 
York, and all four children were adopted 
and taken to different parts of the 
United States. That was the last they 
ever heard from each other. 

William was adopted by Hyram and 
Lydia Crook of Liberty Township. After 
the adoption went through Hyram and 
Lydia Crook brought William to Liberty 
Township to live with them on their 
farm. Lydia had a daughter named 
Melna from her first marriage to Arthur 
Hughart. William eventually married 
Melna and bought seventy-five acres of 
the farm from Hyram and Lydia. 


William and Melna Hanrahan made 
their livelihood from the farm while 
raising three children. They were Ar- 
thur (1878-1961), Roy (1883-1972) 
and Minerva (1890-1944). 

Roy Hanrahan, my grandfather, mar- 
ried Mabel Sanders in August, 1907. 
After William and Lydia passed away, 


Roy inherited his share of the farm and 
bought Arthur’s and Minerva’s shares 
from them. Roy and Mabel raised six 


children: Leroy, Alice, Earl, Carroll, 
Maxine and Margaret, all of whom are 
now passed away except Margaret (Mrs. 
Jack Hannon) who resides in LaPorte, 
Indiana. 

Roy’s favorite sport was racoon hunt- 
ing and he traveled all over the mid- 
west with prize winning dogs, most of 
which were ‘Black and Tans’’. | could 
not begin to estimate the number of 
miles walked by him and his sons, Le- 
roy and Earl and Carroll. After farming 
all day in the fields they would go out 
and walk over half of Porter County lis- 
tening to the baying of their dogs as 
they chased racoons over the country 
side. 

Roy was a member of Porter County 
Conservation Club for many years, help- 
ing to organize and build the club house 
west of Valparaiso. He was also very 
active in 4-H Leadership, Farm Bureau 
and PTA. He passed away in 1972 at 
the age of 89. 

Earl D. Hanrahan, my father, was well 
known in Porter and the surrounding 
counties. In high school he was very 
active in sports, especially basketball, 
and in his senior year won a Gold Bas- 
ketball Award for most valuable player 
and an honor medal for sportsmanship. 

In 1936 he married Alice Bond of 
Valparaiso and they went to work for 
Arthur Horton. After attending Purdue 
University for a course in Dairy Produc- 
tion, Earl managed Mr. Horton’s ‘‘Pra- 
dera’’ Farm north of Valparaiso. He re- 
mained in this position for five years 
and then went into business for himself 


doing custom baling and driving school 
bus for Liberty Township and later for 
Duneland Schools. Earl, like his father, 
was very active in conservation, Farm 
Bureau, community affairs and sports, 
winning a county championship horse- 
shoe pitching in 1949. 

When Lakewood Park was begun, Earl 
was chosen from among 33 applicants 
to be Superintendent of the park. He 
remained in this position until his death 
in 1973. 

To Earl and Alice were born four chil- 
dren, all of whom reside in Liberty 
Township. They are Carole Kessler, 
Mary Ann Criswell, Christine Warren 
and me, Robert Earl Hanrahan. 

| grew up on the farm loving the out- 
doors as much as my father had loved 
it. Like my great-grandfather, grand- 
father and father, | have lived all my 
life in Liberty Township, attending and 
graduating from Liberty High School. 
Upon graduation | served an appren- 
ticeship in Roll Turning and Design at 
United States Steel Gary Works and 
have been working there 12 years. In 
1963 | married Bonnie Jean Lamberson 
of Valparaiso. We built a house on my 
father’s farm where we live with our two 
children, Karrie Lynn, age 8, and Cor- 
ey, age 6. 

Corey Christopher Hanrahan, my son, 
will carry on the Hanrahan name with 
pride. 


DR. WALDEMAR C. HANSEN 


Dr. Waldemar C. Hansen and wife, 
Muriel, of 155 Maple Street, Valparaiso, 
came from Hinsdale, Ill., thirty years 
ago when ‘‘Doc’’ became Director of 
Research of Universal Atlas Cement 
Company, subsidiary of U. S. Steel 
Corp. (now Universal Atlas Division) of 
its general laboratories at Buffington 
Station, Gary, Ind. At that time their 
son Edward was a freshman of Valpar- 
aiso High School and son Donald a 
freshman at Purdue University. Edward 


is now a partner in a large Wall St. 
N.Y. law firm, living in Tuxedo Park, 
N. Y., and Donald of Barrington, Ill., 
Vice-President of Operations of W. W. 
Grainger Corp. of Chicago. 

Dr. Hansen was born in Black Hills, 
S. D. He holds a Ph. D in Chemistry 
from Columbia University where he met 
Muriel, a New York native. Donald was 
born in Washington, D.C. when his fath- 
er was research associate for Portland 
Cement Association Fellowship at Na- 
tional Bureau of Standards. Edward, 
born in Westfield, N. J. when Dr. Han- 
sen was research associate of American 
Cyanamid Corp. During the seven Hins- 
dale years Dr. Hansen was research as- 
sociate for Portland Cement Association 
of Chicago. Dr. Hansen is author of 
numerous articles, books and patents. 
In 1970 he was named Honorary Mem- 
ber of ASTM (American Society for 
Testing Materials). This is ASTM’s 
highest award given annually to some 
five members of the organization’s 
50,000 members. In 1963 Hansen won 
ASTM’s Award of Merit. 


Dr. Hansen is a member of the U. S. 
Highway Research Board, the National 
Research Council of National Academy 
of Sciences of Washington, D. C., and 
advises the Building Technology Divi- 
sion of the U. S. Bureau of Standards 
on their research program. He is also a 
member of the American Chemical So- 
ciety, American Ceramic Society and 
American Concrete Institute. He is a 
member of Honorary fraternities Sigma 
Xl, Gamma Alpha and Phi Lambda Up- 
silon. Dr. Hansen and son Donald are 
members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fra- 
ternity. Locally the Hansens are mem- 
bers of First United Methodist Church 
and the 77 year old Mathesis Club of 
which Hansen is a past president. All 
three Hansen men served two years in 
the armed forces: ‘‘Doc’’ and Edward 
in the Army overseas and Donald in the 
Navy on the East Coast. 


THE ROBERT DANIEL 
HARRINGTON FAMILY 


The Robert Daniel Herrington family 
arrived in Porter County in 1965, part 
of the influx of people involved in build- 
ing and operating the Bethlehem Steel 
Plant in Burns Harbor. 


Robert and his wife, Jane, were both 
born in Massachusetts and grew up in 
the same small town, Palmer, Massa- 


117 


118 


chusetts. Robert received a B.S. in 
Mechanical Engineering from Brown 
University in 1952 and took a position 
as a “‘looper’’ with Bethlehem Steel, 
being assigned to the Lackawanna, New 
York plant. Jane received a B.S. from 
Simmons College. They were married 
in October 1952 and lived in Hamburg, 
New York. All four children were born 
in Lackawanna, New York. 

In 1964 Robert was transferred to 
the Hot Strip Mill of the Burns Harbor 
plant. After one year in Bethlehem, Pa., 
the family moved to Valparaiso, build- 
ing a home in Follis 3rd addition to 
Forest Park, 1907 Clover Lane, where 
they still reside. 

Robert is now Asst. Supt. of the 
Service Division at the Burns Harbor 
plant and was elected to the City Coun- 
cil from Ward 1, taking office January 
1, 1976. 

Jane has served on various commu- 
nity organizations as president of the 
League of Women Voters of Porter 
County for two years and currently as 
president of the Youth Service Bureau. 
In 1973 she became the Director of the 
Retired Senior Volunteer Program and 
still works in that capacity. 

In 1976 Patricia expects to graduate 
from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, 
Susan is a freshman at St. Mary’s Col- 
lege in South Bend, Thomas is a senior 
at Valparaiso High School and Mary is 
a junior. The family are members of 
St. Paul’s Church. 


HARRIS FAMILY 


Submitted by Susie Harris 

My family is a big one. We have 10 
all together. Their names and ages are: 
Cindy, 18 and out of school; Pattie, 16; 
Joe, 14; Roxanne, 13; Mona, 10; Gaye, 
5; Corey, 114; Aunt Karen, Uncle Den- 
nis and | am 12, my name is Susie. 

We were living in South Bend and my 
Mother was in the hospital for about 3 
months, then she died of cancer. My 
Dad was out of work. All of our Aunts 
and uncles lived in Alabama or Nebras- 
ka, so my Dad took all of us to Alabama 
and we lived with our Aunt Pat and 
Uncle Brewer. We lived in Alabama for 
about a month. Then Aunt Pat and 
Uncle Brewer talked to our Pastor in 
South Bend, because my Aunt didn’t 
know what to do with us. Our old Pas- 
tor said to put us in the Baptist Chil- 


dren’s Home in Kouts, IN. Now we live 
in Kouts three years in the Children’s 
Home. We love our houseparents very 
much. 


JOSEPH AND MARY 
HARTMANN 


Joseph and Mary Hartmann moved to 
a 160 acre farm in Union Township, 
Porter County, Indiana in 1869. To this 
union were born six children: John, 
Josephine, Louis, Mary, Christine and 
Frank. 

In 1893 Frank married Rose Ann 
Reibly also of Union Township, Porter 
County, Indiana, and he purchased the 
farm from his parents and lived there 
until his death in 1928. 

To this union were born five children: 
Joseph E., John H., Antionette E., Fran- 
ces C., and Louis R., and all attended 
Union Center School. 

Joseph E. married Lucy Sester of 
Plymouth, Indiana, and lived in Valpar- 
aiso until his death in 1952. Frances 
C. married Merlyn R. Wilson, also of 
Union Township, now living in Valpar- 
aiso. John H., Antionette E., and Louis 
R. lived with their mother on the farm 
until her death in 1941. 

At the death of John H. and Antion- 
ette E. in 1957, the farm was acquired 
by Louis R. who lived there until 1969 
when he married Dorothea P. Gerber of 
Michigan City, Indiana, and then moved 
to Valparaiso. He sold 80 acres of this 
farm in 1971 and remaining 80 acres 
was owned by him at the time of his 
death in 1974. 


CHARLES J. HAUBER 


My name is Charles J. Hauber, | live 
in Chesterton, In., have nine children, 
all raised and went through schools in 
town here. My Grandparents settled at 


Tremont in 1900. They bought a farm. 
Dunes Highway went through the land 
that was part of his. They homesteaded 
up in So. Dakota for a while but did not 
like it. Dunes highway is the old Chi- 
cago-Detroit road. It used to go to Fort 
Dearborn in the 1800’s. | like Porter 
County and wouldn't care to live any 
other place. 


JOHN MACK HAWKINS 


John Mack Hawkins, born December 
11, 1952, at Bedford, IN. John is the 
third son of William Paul and Lucille 
(Mc Rae) Hawkins, now residing at In- 
diana, PA. John’s oldest brother, Paul 
Wayne, living in Chicago, has two chil- 
dren, Paul David and Cheryl; James 
Carol lives in Shreveport, LA.; a sister, 
Margret Ruth (Peggy) Glanz, living with 
her husband Peter in Gainsville, FLA.; 
his youngest brother Robert Dale lives 
with his parents at home. John came 
to Porter County in 1956 with his par- 
ents. In 1970, he graduated from Val- 
paraiso High School. He is now em- 
ployed with Midwest Steel and is attend- 
ing Purdue University majoring in In- 
dustrial Management. John married 
Charbeau Lynn (Char) Hood on May 
3, 1975 at Boone Grove Christian 
Church. It was also the twenty-third 
wedding anniversary of her parents, 
Floyd C. and Carolyn A. Hood. Char 
was born March 26, 1956 in Porter Me- 
morial Hospital. She graduated from 
Boone Grove High School in 1974 and 
is a member of the Boone Grove Chris- 
tian Church. Her hobby is collecting 
cups and saucers while John collects 
mugs. Together they enjoy motorcy- 
cling, fishing, camping, and just being 
with friends. 


MARTHA COOPER HAWKINS 


My name is Martha Cooper Hawkins. 
The history of my family started (as far 
as | know) back when my Grandmother 


and Grandfather (on my mother’s side) 
came from Germany. Their name was 
Caroline Jaeske and Henry Homfeld. 
Following their nuptials they took up 
residence on a farm in Porter Township, 
seven miles southwest of Valparaiso, in 
a log cabin Henry Homfeld had built. 
They were married in 1880. Later 
Grandfather built-a house, barn and 
other buildings. 

They lived across the field from Fred 
Smoke and his parents and brothers, 
and often visited with each other. 


My grandparents had six children, 
all of whom are deceased. They were: 
Hermann Homfeld, Fred Homfeld, Al- 
bert Homfeld, (Matilda) Mrs. John Ha- 
mann, Meta Homfeld and Minnie Hom- 
feld Cooper. 


Grandfather Homfeld introduced al- 
falfa to the farmers in northern Indiana. 
He had learned about it while visiting 
relatives in Denver, Colorado. 


My mother, Minnie Homfeld Cooper, 
married Roy B. Cooper. To this union 
were born five children: Philip W., David 
E., Mark E. (deceased), Forrest E., and 
myself. 


| am now Mrs. Roland O. Hawkins. 
We have four children: Roland B., Nan- 
cy (Mrs. Richard E. Duell), Jean (Mrs. 
Gregory R. Elkins) and John J. (Jack) 
Hawkins, all of whom are married. 

We have lived in and around Porter 
County for close to fifty years, and are 
farming now in Washington Township. 
We have 7 (almost 8) grandchildren. 


RAYMOND F. HEINOLD 


Raymond F. Heinold, 3102 N. Camp- 
bell, Valparaiso, Indiana, was born in 
Cissna Park, Illinois, and moved to 
Kouts, Indiana, when two years old with 
his parents, Joseph and Martha Hein- 
old. There on a farm he grew up with 
four brothers and one sister. 

In 1937, he and Marie Wuethrich of 
Francesville, Indiana, were married. 
Their residence was Valparaiso as Mr. 
Heinold was a salesman for Chevrolet 
the Mac Emily Co. 


Four children, namely Philip D., J. 
Keith, Janet Rae, and Mary Martha, 
blessed this home. Both sons are asso- 
ciated in the petroleum distribution 
business — Heinold Oil Company, 
founded in 1940 and which is still 
owned by the immediate family. 

Keith and Susan (Belaschky) are the 


parents of three children — Michael, 
Melinda and Elizabeth. 

Janet is now Mrs. Daryle Hari, mother 
of three daughters, Janeen, Darla, and 
Corinne, and lending support to a hus- 
band active in Du-All Furniture Sales. 


Mary is Mrs. Robert Honegger — 
mother of a son, Robbie, and living 
near Ft. Wayne. She is the wife of an 
ambitious veterinarian who has his own 
practice. 


All attend or are members of the 
Apostolic Christian Church. 


HISTORY OF ALFRED L. AND 
OLIVIA HENKEL 


Alfred L. Henkel attended Valparaiso 
University from September, 1933 to 
January 1937. Because he could find 
no work in the social service field, he 
returned to V. U. in June, 1937 to com- 
plete his requirements for an Indiana 
State Teachers license. He did his stu- 
dent teaching at Valparaiso High School 
in U. S. History under the supervision 
of Ralph Schenck. Due to the scarcity 
of teaching positions he took a position 
as night clerk at the Hotel Lembke. He 
left Valparaiso in March of 1939 for 
Fort Wayne where he again worked in 
hotels until April 14, 1942 when he re- 
ceived his ‘‘Greetings’’ from President 
Roosevelt. 


He was assigned to the 6th Armored 
Division during World War II and found 
that a fellow university graduate, Her- 
bert Steinbach, was also assigned to 
the same company. It was through him 
that Al met Herb’s sister Olivia and 
married her January 19, 1946, follow- 
ing his discharge from the army on 
October 14, 1945. 


In September, 1946 he accepted a 
position as teacher at Valparaiso High 
School. In 1952 he organized the guid- 
ance services and became Director of 
Guidance in 1955 and served in that 
capacity until 1972. He continued as 
teacher-counselor until retirement in 
1975. 


He looks back to his time spent 
working with the young people of Val- 
paraiso as a most rewarding experience. 

Olivia worked at Valparaiso Univer- 
sity from 1940-41 and again 1946 to 
1974 on a part-time basis in the Public 
Relations, Business and Moellering Li- 
brary offices at various times. 

They are the parents of two children: 


Olivia and Al Jr. Both attended |!mman- 
uel Lutheran School, graduating from 
Valpo High in 1965 and 1966 respec- 
tively. 

Olivia graduated from V. U. in 1971, 
taught her first year at Toltec, Arizona, 
and has since been teaching in the Val- 
paraiso School System. 

Al Jr. worked as X-ray technologist at 
Porter Memorial Hospital from 1967 to 
1972, and while there met Karen Krohn, 
who was a nurses aide at the hospital. 
They were married May 27, 1972. They 
are living in Valparaiso since 1974, aft- 
er Karen had finished her nurse’s train- 
ing at Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital. 
At present Al is attending Valparaiso 
Technical Institute, and Karen is a 
nurse at P.M.H. 


MRS. FLORENCE E. HENNING 


This is my family history. My hus- 
band was born in Porter County, a mile 
south of Wheeler, IN. |, his wife, was 
born in Porter County also. Our oldest 
son, Harold, served two years over in 
Korea. Our youngest son, Larry, was 
born in Valparaiso, IN. He has com- 
pleted his college and will be teaching 
and coaching in Flora, IN. Both are 
married. Harold has three children, 2 
boys and a girl. We have lived in Val- 
paraiso for 29 years, coming from a 
farm a mile south of Wheeler. We be- 
long to Immanuel Lutheran Church. | 
belong to the American Legion Auxil- 
iary, and also to the Foreign Wars Aux- 
iliary. My husband, Elmer, worked for 
Fosters Lumber Co. for 20 years after 
moving to Valparaiso. 

Harold works at Indiana General. He 
has been there for 25 years. My hus- 
band Elmer Henning passed away Feb. 
10, 1975. 


THE HAROLD HENNING 
FAMILY 


The Harold Henning family consists 
of Harold, Marilu, Steven, Sandra, Ed- 
ward. Harold was born in Porter County 
in a farm house a mile and a half south 
of Wheeler, Ind. Harold is the son of 
Mrs. Florence Henning, Valparaiso, and 
the late Elmer A. Henning. Harold at- 
tended Wheeler schools until 1947 and 
then moving to Valparaiso and gradu- 
ating from Valparaiso High School in 
1950. Harold served with the U.S. 
Army in Korea in 1953-54. Harold has 


119 


120 


worked at Indiana General in Valparaiso 
for 25 years. Harold is a member of 
Post #94 American Legion. 

Marilu Henning is a housewife and 
was born in Gary, Ind., the daughter of 
Mrs. Leona Frye, Merrillville, Ind., and 
the late William Frye. Marilu attended 
the Merrillville schools, likes to sew and 
make clothes. 

Steven Henning is 12 years old and 
goes to Ben Franklin Junior High. San- 
dra Henning is 8 years old and goes to 
Thomas Jefferson Elem. Edward Hen- 
ning is 7 years old and goes to Central 
Elem. 

The Henning family are members of 
the Trinity Lutheran Church, Valparaiso. 


WILBUR HERLITZ FAMILY 


In 1944 Wilbur Herlitz came to Por- 
ter County and married Helen Shurr, 
who was the daughter of Vernon and 
Hazel Shurr. 

The great-grandfather of Mr. Herlitz, 
Louis Herlitz, came to America from 
Germany in 1836 and settled at Cedar 
Lake, Indiana. Mr. Herlitz’s father, 
William, moved from Cedar Lake to 
Beecher, Illinois, where Wilbur was 
born on December 17, 1914. He was 
raised there and graduated from Lowell 
High School. 

The great-grandfather of Mrs. Her- 
litz, Lewis Shurr, also came to America 
from Germany in 1853 and settled in 
Valparaiso before eventually moving to 
a farm south of Porter Cross Roads in 
Porter Township. Mrs. Herlitz’s par- 
ents, Vernon and Hazel, also resided 
south of Porter Cross Roads. This is 


where Helen was born on December 8, 
1916. She was raised there and gradu- 
ated from Boone Grove High School. 

Soon after Wilbur and Helen were 
married on November 26, 1944, they 
purchased a farm 2 miles northeast of 
Boone Grove, where they still reside. 
They have three children, Ronald, Su- 
san, and Wayne. 

Ronald, who was born on March 29, 
1946, married Karen Niksch of Valpar- 
aiso on August 17, 1974 and currently 
resides in Valparaiso. Karen was born 
on October 12, 1948. Ronald is pres- 
ently a math teacher at Boone Grove 
High School and Karen taught physical 
education with the Valparaiso Commu- 
nity Schools. They have a daughter, 
Barbara Ann, who was born on Decem- 
ber 3, 1975. 

Susan, born on March 3, 1950, mar- 
ried Allan Hoagland of Hebron on No- 
vember 25, 1972 and currently resides 
in Indianapolis. Allan was born on Oc- 
tober 8, 1948. Susan is an accountant 
for Mayflower Transit and Allan is a 
mortician for Flanner and Buchanan 
Mortuaries. 

Wayne, born on September 20, 1951, 
currently resides with his parents. He 
is an industrial arts teacher at Wheeler 
High School. 

Wilbur and Helen are both active 
members of the Boone Grove Christian 
Church. Wilbur is also a member of the 
Valparaiso Rotary Club and vice-presi- 
dent of the Porter County Farm Bureau. 
Helen is a member of the Porter Town- 
ship Homemakers Club and is woman’s 
leader of the Porter Township Farm 
Bureau. 


. 9 
Lad 


\ 
i =e 
=e ) E ~ $3 Lie 

pl H I 

ant ~—s, mates: 


eon 
se 


= 


8 
t 
ee 

pied 
bald 
* 
La 


JULIE HERMA 


My name is Julie Herma. I’m eleven 
and in the sixth grade. There are eight 
people in my family. My youngest sis- 
ter is Leslie and she is four years old. 
Five of us go to school here in Kouts. 
Jennifer is in the first grade and is six. 
Stacy is in the fifth grade and is ten. 
My oldest sister is Ronda. She’s fif- 
teen and in the tenth grade. She is her 
class president, member of the Pep 
Club, and is also on the yearbook staff. 
| have one brother who is thirteen and 
in the eighth grade. His name is Mich- 
ael. He’s in all the school sport activi- 
ties and Student Congress. My Mom's 
name is Ruby and she is thirty-two. She 
works in a candy factory on week days 
only. My Dad is thirty-four and he 
works at Kaiser Aluminum. Also he as- 
sists at laying bricks. His name is 
Ronald. 


When my Dad was young he went to 
Hebron School. After they met and got 
married they moved to Kouts. We've 
been in Kouts for fifteen years. 


Our family attends the Catholic 
Church. My Grandpa, Lester Hoover, is 
president of the Town Board. Our fam- 
ily doesn’t travel much. We all enjoy 
swimming and camping. We also live 
in the country and have a dog named 
Friendly. 


MRS. JOHN T. HERMANSADER 
(ADELAIDE NORTON) 


Mrs. John T. Hermansader (Adelaide 
Norton), born March 26, 1892, Read- 
ing, Pennsylvania; lived in Meridian, 
Miss., Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, 
Kansas City, Mo., Des Moines, lowa, 
Chicago, Ill.; moved to Porter, Ind., 
June, 1954, with husband, on his re- 
tirement. Taught school in Pennsylva- 
nia; sang in choirs, played church or- 
gan and piano many years; active in 
church and neighborhood house work 
many years, serving as President of 
Board of Managers of Italian Institute 
in K.C., Mo., and Treasurer of Board of 
Firman House, Chicago; honored as 
Churchwoman of the Year, United Coun- 
cil of Church Women, Chicago, in 1959, 


leader of Campfire Girls in K.C.; active 
in Porter Methodist Church, teaching 
Bible study classes, planning with other 
churches for World Day of Prayer; chair- 


man of World Day of Prayer in Chicago 
for five years; inspirational speaker to 
local, Valparaiso, and Chicago groups; 
winner of Senior Citizen’s Queen of Por- 
ter County 1975, and first runner-up 
for Indiana Senior Citizen’s Queen 
1975; mother of Eleanor Murray, grand- 
mother of James Thomas and Sarah 
Emily Murray. 


Bonsel Murray, born Clinton, Indi- 
ana; employed by U. S. Steel, Gary, for 
46 years; graduated Clinton H. S.; ser- 
geant in U. S. Air Corps in World War 
ll, serving in Guam; moved to Chester- 
ton from Gary in Nov. 1947 with wife, 
Eleanor; father of James Thomas and 
Sarah Emily; exhibited pen-and-ink 
drawings in Chesterton Woman’s Club 
and Chesterton Art Fair. 


Mrs. Bonsel Murray (Eleanor Norton 
Hermansader), born Meridian, Miss.; 
lived in Savannah and Atlanta, Ga., 
Kansas City, Mo., Des Moines, Onawa, 
and Clarinda, lowa, Chicago, Ill., East 
Chicago, Indiana, Grosse Pointe, Michi- 
gan, and moved to Chesterton in Nov. 
1947 with husband, Bonsel; graduate 
of Drake Univ. in 1935, attended Chi- 
cago Art Institute, California College of 
Arts and Crafts, Indiana Univ.; art 
teacher in lowa, East Chicago, Grosse 
Pointe, Portage, Westchester, Beverly 
Shores, and Hobart Township Schools; 
mother of James Thomas and Sarah 
Emily; researched and painted murals 
for Porter County Courthouse rotunda 
1966-68; painted murals in cafeteria of 
Hageman School, portrait of Lincoln as 
boy for Evans School and painting of 
school activities for Meister gym; exhib- 
ited at lowa State Fair, Ridge Art Asso- 
ciation of Chicago, East Chicago Civic 
Art Association, Chesterton Women's 
Club, Michigan City University Women, 
Artists and Craftsmen of Porter County, 
and Gary Artist’s League; choir director 
of Porter. Methodist Church, soloist for 
individual and combined church serv- 
ices in Des Moines, Chicago, Detroit, 
Gananoque (Ont.), Lake Wawasee, Ches- 
terton and Valparaiso; president of 
Chesterton-Porter Business and Profes- 
sional Women’s Club 1956-7 and 
1967-8, honored as Woman of the Year 
1968 by B. P. W. | 


James Thomas Murray (son of Bon- 
sel and Eleanor), born in Gary, gradu- 
ated Chesterton H. S. 1969, Ball State 
University in Mus. Ed. in 1974; married 
to Kari Lynn Lewis Aug. 1973; active in 


band and chess clubs in H.S. and stage 
crews for dramatic and musical produc- 
tions; employed at radio station at Ball 
State, by U. S. Steel, Gary; exhibited in 
Chesterton Woman's Club several years. 

Sarah Emily Murray (daughter of 
Bonsel and Eleanor), born in Valpar- 
aiso, graduated Chesterton H. S. 1973, 
attending Ball State University, major- 
ing in music education; member Porter 
Methodist Church choir and Community 
Chorus locally, Concert and Madrigal 
Choirs at Ball State; worked in costum- 
ing and make-up for several plays and 
cast of ‘‘Music Man’’ at C.H.S. 


JACKIE HERR 


My name is Jackie Herr. | am 11, 
and in the 6th grade. | live in a family 
of five and | have a paper route. | have 
a sister Patty. She is 16 and works at 
Johnson's Drive In. She is in the 11th 
grade. | have a brother John, he’s 7 
and in the 2nd grade. He also shares 
the paper route with me. My Mom’s 
name is Dorothy. She is 40 years old 
and works hard in the house and out- 
side the house. She is also a catechism 
teacher at the St. Mary’s Catholic 
Church. My Dad’s name is Arthur and 
he is a sheet metal worker in Valparaiso. 

| became a resident in Porter Co. by 
Bill Kimmel letting my Dad start plumb- 
ing and heating. 

The accounts of my family’s life are 
my Dad is still working in Porter Coun- 
ty and we don’t want to move. We like 
to go all over to different states. We 
like to go fishing. All three of us kids 
like to attend Kouts High School. 


HICKS FAMILY 


Lawrence A. Hicks is the second of 
two sons and a daughter born to Leland 
and Edna Mae Hicks of Valparaiso. His 
mother, Edna Mae Hamilton, was born 
in Brownsburg, In., moving to South 
Bend, In., in her early years. She was 
united in marriage in 1940 to Leland 
(Pete) Hicks. Pete is the last survivor 
of eight children of Lydia Ellen and Wil- 
liam Allen Hicks, who were wed on June 
4, 1890. William Hicks is said to have 
driven oxen teams across North Dakota. 
He owned a store in Tassanong, and 
also was a teacher in the Tassanong 
area, now a historical landmark. Later 


they moved to Valparaiso, where he was 
in the transfer business, using a team 
of horses and a wagon. Mrs. Hicks 
owned and operated several rooming 
houses on College Hill in Valparaiso. In 
later years they purchased a store on 
the corner of Locust and Union Streets, 
which was their main occupation until 
Mr. Hicks death. Mrs. Hicks was a 
charter member and the first Oracle for 
the College Hill Camp No. 3122 Royal 
Neighbors of America. William Hicks 
died in 1932 and Lydia in 1953. Their 
son ‘‘Pete’’ is a retired businessman of 
Valparaiso. He and his wife are active 
in area politics and other community 
organizations. Their other two children 
are married. The older son, John, 
served in the Marine Corps and is now 
a Tool and Die Maker. He and his wife 
Jeanne live in Washington Township 
with their three sons. Susan, the young- 
est of the three children, graduated 
from Valparaiso High School, attended 
Valparaiso University, then transferred 
to Indiana University. She then married 
William Magyar of Valparaiso. They are 
now living in Seattle, Washington, 
where Susan is attending Washington 
University, majoring in Environmental 
Health. 

Lawrence, an optometrist, studied at 
Purdue University where he met his 
wife, Lucille, a Lafayette girl. They 
both graduated there and travelled to 
England. He studied in the City Uni- 
versity School of Opthalmic Opticians, 
London, England. He and Lucille were 
married in 1969 in London. He gradu- 
ated from that University in 1971 with 
honors, as the first American student 
to complete the courses there. He is a 
member of the British Optometry Asso- 
ciation. Dr. Hicks then studied two 
years at Indiana University, receiving 
his degree in Optometry in 1973. 

During their stay in London, a daugh- 
ter was born. They now have a second 
daughter, born in Valparaiso. 


Dr. Hicks and his family are looking 
forward to an active future in Porter 
County, as the family has in the past. 

The Hicks family has donated to the 
Porter County Historical Society Mu- 
seum a photograph of a relative who 
was the mother of the first . white 
child born in Porter County in a time 
when the area was inhabited by Indian 
tribes. 


121 


122 


William Hicks 


JOHN AND JANET HILLIARD 


The Hilliards owned and operated 
Hilliards Restaurant in Kouts for 28 
years. Mrs. Hilliards’ father, Fred L. 
Perry, opened the business in 1933; 
thus it was family owned for 43 years. 
The business was sold in late 1974. 

Mrs. Hillards’ Porter County Ances- 
try can be traced back to 1850 when 
her great-great-grandmother Melintha 
White Hawkins and Mrs. Hawkins’ 
brother Theron White moved to Valpa- 
raiso from Wayne County, Penn. 

The Hilliards have two children, Su- 
san and John Timothy; and three grand- 
children, Jon, Christopher and Courtney 
Albright. 


ALVIS AND EDNA HITESMAN 


Born in the South, was left an or- 
phan at the age of two. | attended first 
grade in the South, continued my 
schooling in Montana. 

| came to Valparaiso and three years 
later on a Sunday afternoon at Seivers 
soda fountain | met Alvia Hitesman. 
Two years later we were married. We 
lived in Valparaiso all our married life. 
Alvia passed away Septmeber 15, 1966. 

We adopted two children, Arlene, de- 
ceased, and Paul, now living in Texas. 


DAN HITZ 


My name is Danny Hitz. I’m in 6th 
grade and 12 years old. | am in a fam- 
ily of five. | have two sisters, Nancy is 
16 years old, she is in the 11th grade 
and she is the oldest. The youngest is 
Lori, she is 10 years old, she is in the 
5th grade. 

My Dad is a photographer in Kouts 
and Kokomo, In. Nancy and Mom help 
him, and | help my Dad by taking pic- 
tures and setting up equipment. My 
Mother is a great housewife and cook. 

My Dad is the best photographer 
ever. When my Mom and Dad got mar- 
ried they came to Kouts. When we get 


free time off, we go to the ball games, 
boat riding, skiing, movies and long 
rides. On Sept. 21, 1975, we went to 
the Cubs and Phillies ball game in Chi- 
cago, and we took some friends. We 
have a blast every time we go. We like 
to go sight seeing and take pictures. 
We like to look at new, neat and tough 
houses, campers, boats and trailers. 


AUGUST HOFFERTH AND SONS 


AUGUST HOFFERTH AND SONS— 
MASON CONTRACTORS was the first 
mason business established at Pleasant 
Twp. August (1852-1932), Germany- 
trained in bricklaying and plastering, 
immigrated to United States (1880) 
with August Wandrey and August Hone- 
house to join his brother John. These 
young men found German Lutheran 
wives in the Kouts vicinity though the 
Hofferths were Catholic. August mar- 
ried Theresa Wittenburg (1860-1952), 
a skilled seamstress and midwife. He 
built a small house and lime shop in 
Kouts south of the original Pennsyl- 
vania R.R. coal dock. He was busily 
engaged in building chimneys and plas- 
tering houses and stores, including the 
first Lutheran church. 

After Confirmation and one year of 
high school, Albert, ‘‘Burt’’ (1875- ) 
joined his father. In 1906 a business 
shop and small water tower were 
erected and equipment installed for 
production of hand-tamped cement 
blocks and drainage tile. Cement ma- 
sonry was added to the business, in- 
cluding foundations for houses and 
farm buildings, basements and _ side- 
walks. 

The youngest son, Emil ‘Mike’, 
K.H.S. baseball pitcher—later for the 
Kouts team—after graduation (1912) 
became a partner in the Hofferth com- 
pany. By 1915 the plant had been en- 
larged; modern machinery and cement 
mixers were installed by which 5 blocks 
a minute were turned out. Equipment 
was added for making burial vaults. 
When August retired the name was 
changed to KOUTS BUILDING SUPPLY 
(sold in 1958). 

From 1913 to 1921 Burt left the 
business to serve as Kouts Postmaster, 
during which time he secured the sec- 
ond rural route mail service. He also 
became the first Town Clerk and served 
for 5 years; in 1918 m. Margaret Bet- 
terton (1896-1961). Their sons, Burt 


Mabelle Hofferth 


and Wallace, Purdue graduates, are as- 
sociated with ARMSTRONG LINOLEUM 
CO. 

August Hofferth’s son Charles de- 
ceased in early boyhood. The oldest 
daughter, Alta (1889-1929), was em- 
ployed with the GAGE HAT CO. in Chi- 
cago. Later was a Kouts postoffice 
clerk until her death. Hattie (1891- 
1948) served as Kouts postoffice clerk 
and rural delivery substitute until her 
marriage to Edward (‘‘Eddie’’) Rosen- 
baum, one of the rural mail carriers 
who served until his illness and death 
in 1957. He also owned a farm with an 
accredited dairy herd and established 
the first satte-inspected dairy service 
in Kouts. Their one daughter, LaVerne 
(Mrs. Pinney Sommers), lives on the 
farm—no longer a dairy—also is in the 
postal service at Kouts. She is the 
Presbyterian Church organist and _ is 
active in church and community affairs. 
They have two sons, Ronnie (Supervis- 
or of UPJOHN _ EXPERIMENTAL 
FARMS), Tom (Salesman for IBM com- 
puters), and daughter Donna (Mrs. 
Philip Stewart). 

After his return from over two years 
of service in the U. S. Navy and the 
front line Telephone Battalion Volun- 
teers in France during World War |, 
plus seven trips across the Atlantic on 
the U.S.S. Mobile returning U. S. ser- 
vice men, Emil resumed his work in 
the Hofferth business. In 1920 he mar- 
ried Mabelle Salzer (1895- ), Pleasant 
Twp. teacher and first president of the 
Kouts Band Boosters. They have one 
daughter, Estrella (Mrs. Franklin Ros- 
enbaum), talented in music, played cor- 
net and bass horn in Kouts High School 
Band, piano and violin, and was the 
Lutheran Church organist for several 
years. After K.H.S. graduation she en- 
tered South Bend Business College and 
is a legal and business secretary. They 
have two sons, Franklin Jr. and John, 


and one daughter, Carol. 

Emil enjoyed hunting and fishing. 
He served on the Town Board for twenty 
some years and was trustee in the Lu- 
theran Church for many years. He had 
become a skilled bricklayer and an ex- 
pert in fireplace construction. His work 
can be found in LaCrosse, Wanatah, 
Hebron, Valparaiso.and Crown Point as 
well as in Kouts including the original 
1936 new school building, his own 
brick home on Church and McKinley, 
and his daughter’s, on 25245 Roose- 
velt Rd., South Bend. 


LILA L. HOKANSON 


Lila L. Hokanson, 326 Michigan St., 
Porter, In. Born in Gary, Indiana and 
moved to Chesterton when | was seven 
years old. Graduated from C.H.S. Mar- 
ried Edwin Hokanson of Porter in 1950 
and moved to Porter, where | still live. 

Children: Jodie Marie Hokanson who 
will be a student for Medical Assistant 
at Indiana Business and Technical Col- 
lege in Indianapolis. Guy Hokanson who 
is presently employed at Enchanted 
Forest, Chesterton. 


Employed by the Town of Porter as 
Clerk-Treasurer since 1963; filled out 
a vacancy in 1963 and then won three 
elections after that. My term is up this 
year so will be up for re-election in 
November. 


Am President of the Westchester 
Democratic Woman’s Club, Vice-comm. 
of Precinct 5, member of the First 
United Methodist Church and V.F.W. 
Aux. Post #2511. 


My mother was born in Hungary and 
my father in Keiv, Russia. My maiden 
name was Lila Dockim. | have three 
sisters, Vivian Hillborn of Deerfield, Ill., 
Eleanor Walters of Michigan City, In., 
and Zena Halgren of Abilene, Texas. 


THE HOMFELD FAMILY 


Henry Homfeld came to Porter Coun- 
ty from Germany in 1879 and estab- 
lished a cooper shop in Valparaiso on 
the present site of the Foster Lumber 
Company. On January 4, 1880, he mar- 
ried Caroline Jaeske, also an immigrant 
from Germany. They made their home 
at 604 Morgan Boulevard, across from 
the cooper shop. 

In 1881, he disposed of the cooper 


shop and purchased a farm in Porter 
Township where he lived until his death 
in 1918. As a farmer, he introduced 
alfalfa to Indiana and became well 
known for his efforts to promote the 
new crop. In 1919, Mrs. Homfeld re- 
turned to the house on Morgan Boule- 
vard where she lived until her death 
in 1936. 

Henry and Caroline Homfeld had six 
children: Mathilda, Meta, Herman, 
Minne, Fred, and Albert. Herman and 
Albert were Porter County farmers. 
Mathilda married John Hamann, also a 
Porter County farmer. Fred married 
lrene Black and farmed in Lake County. 
All six of the second generation are now 
deceased. No one named Homfeld now 
lives in Porter County, though the third 
generation is represented in the county 
by Herman’s daughter, Mary Louise 
Osenga, Mathilda’s sons Fred and Louis 
Hamann, Minne’s daughter Martha 
(Mrs. Roland Hawkins), as well as some 
of the fourth and fifth generation. 

The Homfeld name is carried on by 
Herman’s son Kenneth of Houston, 
Texas, and his sons Conrad, Kenneth 
Lee, and Carlton, as well as Albert’s son 
Max of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and 
his son Edward. 

The most recent family reunion was 
held in July 1975, at the Lake County 
farm of Mrs. Fred Homfeld. Fifty-one 
family members attended. 


FLOYD CURTIS HOOD 


Floyd Curtis Hood, child of Harry 
and Velma Foley Hood, was born near 
Springerton, Illinois. Arriving on their 
first anniversary January 11, 1931. 
Harry Hood (dec. May 3, 1970), a de- 
scendant of the Hoods from Hoodville, 
Illinois, moved his family to Valparaiso 
for employment in 1938. Floyd has a 
brother Gerald (Jerry) living in Wash- 
ington Twp.; a sister Lorretta Ritsch in 
Carmi, Illinois; a brother Robert Lee 
deceased Feb. 4, 1961 in Valparaiso, a 
result of corrective heart surgery; a sis- 
ter Sharon Shepard in Brookport, IlIli- 
nois. His mother resides near Three 
Rivers, Michigan with her brother, John 
(Jim). Floyd’s favorite week-end fishing 
spot. If you don’t believe it ask Carolyn 
Ann, his wife, whom he eloped with 
while in service May 3, 1952, at Spring- 
field, Tenn. Daughter of Maurice and 
Frances Ludington of Porter Twp., born 


March 29, 1935, the oldest of three 
girls. Floyd and Carolyn are the par- 
ents of three children born in Valparaiso 
and educated at Boone Grove School. 
Max Lee born March 4, 1954. The first 
grandchild on either side. He is em- 
ployed at Chester Inc. Fertilizer Plant 
in Boone Grove. Max enjoys the great 
outdoors—archery, hunting and fishing. 
Two daughters: Charbeau Lynn (Char) 
born March 25, 1956. Married John M. 
Hawkins May 3, 1975 now residing in 
Washington Twp. Denise Ann _ born 
April 9, 1962 is an active 8th grader. 
She enjoys Girl Scouts, band, dances, 
and has a rock and lamp collection. 
Floyd is a carpenter out of Local 1485. 
Carolyn is employed at Indiana General 
Magnet Products—Payroll. As a fam- 
ily we enjoy farming, camping, fishing, 
and bowling. 


REMEMBRANCE 


| remember my Grandmother, Han- 
nah Henry Horner, as a small and very 
industrious person. The sugar cookies 
she gave me have helped a lot too! 


Hannah told me once of how she and 
her new husband, Samuel Horner, had 
walked across the fields after the wed- 
ding ceremony to the new log cabin he 
had built in a grove of trees. A large 
room was the kitchen and contained a 
fireplace. A small connecting room was 
their bedroom. Two more rooms were 
later added to this house; they also were 
of logs and the cracks filled with mud 
and one window of many panes in each 
room. Hannah was a tiny female about 
5 feet tall but she had three sons, Rob- 
ert, Dan and Garfield, and four daugh- 
ters, Mattie, Harriet, Mary and Carrie. 
The boys slept in one bedroom and the 
girls in the other on feather mattresses 
with heavy pieced quilts over them. 


The oxen had been replaced with 
horses but water was still carried from 
the spring. This was known as the St. 
Clair neighborhood and the young Hor- 
ners were active in school affairs and 
dances and box socials of the times. 
School lasted three months and the 
teacher boarded with different families. 
They were taught to figure and most 
of them completed the second reader 
and had fun at spell-downs. School 
was about a mile from the log house 
and when weather was severe school 
ended. 


123 


124 


| remember Hannah best when she 
was a widow. At this time Bob and Dan, 
my father, were dead and Harriet had 
married and moved to the west coast. 
Only Carrie and Garfield were at home 
and Carrie also later married and 
moved west. The old log house was 
now used for storage of grain and sup- 
plies and Hannah was enjoying her new 
modern home about a quarter mile from 
the ‘old place’ as she called it. | and 
my cousins visited here each summer 
and often walked down the dusty dirt 
road in our bare feet to get the mail. 

Hannah and Carrie baked bread twice 
a week, 6 loaves at a time, and the odor 
was glorious! What a treat it was to be 
given the heel of the warm loaf spread 
with fresh butter and sprinkled with 
brown sugar! On churning day we 
youngsters stood fascinated to see the 
cream turn to yellow butter and were 
thrilled to be allowed to push the dasher 
up and down in the churn. This churn- 
ing was done in the so-called summer 
house and the baking was done here 
too in a wood burning cook stove. This 
kept the main house cool and clean. 

It was fun to pick up the apples that 
had dropped over night from the yellow 
transparent apple tree and how we kids 
gobbled down that apple sauce! Anoth- 
er treat was cornstarch pudding made 
with lots of eggs and rich milk and cov- 
ered with cream! I've never tasted it so 
good since then. 

Grandma Hannah also had lots of old 
fashioned flowers and memories return 
whenever | see the striped Tiger lilies 
which bloom in July. Such a brave 
woman—why didn’t | love and appre- 
ciate her more? 

Submitted by Almira Horner Downing 


HORNER 


Mrs. Garfield S. Horner (Bessie E.) 
has been a resident of Whispering Pines 
Home for Senior Citizens since March 
1966, after maintaining her own home 
until the age of 85. She was born in 
1882 in the Col. Suman homestead in 
Jackson Township to Edward T. Nulf 
and Mary Margaret (Gray) Nulf. Her 
father and mother had come to Porter 
County from Noble County, Indiana and 
after farming in Jackson Township, pur- 
chased land and farmed and planted a 
peach orchard on U. S. 6. They built a 
brick home there in 1904 (now known 
as Brenn produce farm). 


Mr. and Mrs. Nulf were the parents 
of eight children: Alpha (Biggs); Wil- 
liam; Vance; Bessie; Edward; Dora 
(Lute); Emma (Crisman) and Clarence. 
All of the family are deceased except 
Mrs. Horner. The families are buried in 
the Chesterton Cemetery. 

Bessie Nulf was married to Garfield 
S. Horner who was born in Center 
Township, the son of Samuel and Han- 
nah (Henry) Horner. Mr. and Mrs. Hor- 
ner were florists and opened the first 
downtown floral shop in Valparaiso, first 
on Washington St. and later where Lem- 
ster’s Valparaiso Floral now operates. 
They were the parents of three children, 
a daughter who died in infancy; Hannah 
Mary, a graduate of Univ. of Ill. with a 
Masters in Library Science, and Mar- 
garet Faye, who married Wayne B. Hor- 
ney, a veteran of WWII. Mary Horner 
taught in local township schools and for 
years was librarian in the Gary school 
system. She has been deceased since 
1952 and her father died in 1958. 


HORNEY 


M. Faye Horney and Wayne B. Horney 
are the parents of one son, David G. 
Mr. Horney is in the real estate busi- 
ness with an office located in Wheeler, 
Indiana. Mrs. Horney has been asso- 
ciated with Suburban Home Corp. for 
over fifteen years and is Exec. Vice 
Pres. of the corporation and the man- 
ager of South Haven Square Shopping 
Center on U. S. 6 in Portage Township. 
She is also a real estate broker. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Horney are interested in 
history and geneology and Mr. Horney 
is a past president of the Porter County 
Historical Society. Mrs. Horney is cur- 
rently president of the Lake Shore Chap- 
ter +20 of ‘‘The Questers’’ and is past 
National Parliamentarian of the group, 
a national society for the study and 
preservation of antiques; is an active 
member of Early American Industries 
Assoc. Inc. and related study groups. 
They are all members of the First Chris- 
tian Church of Valparaiso. 


DEAN ALBERT (WHITEY) 
HOUPT 


Dean Albert (Whitey) Houpt, born 
June 13, 1935 at Chicago Heights, Ill. 
Dean was the eldest of four sons of 
Vern Henry and Gertrude M. Rock 


Houpt. Vern’s father Benjamin Harrison 
was raised in New Albany, Ind. and died 
Dec. 22, 1974 at New Era, Michigan. 
His mother Emma Marrie Stahley 
Houpt, the daughter of Huldah Agnes 
Breitzke and Fred Christian Stahley of 
Washington Twp., is living in New Era, 
Michigan. Gertrude’s family came from 
Youngstown, Ohio and moved to Ham- 
mond, Ind. 


Dean's brother Lloyd and his family 
live in Hobart, Ind.; Vern Richard died 
Nov. 22, 1968 at the age of 29, of a 
plastic anemia, and is buried in Sheri- 
dan, Wyoming. His youngest brother 
Neil died Oct. 15, 1956 at the age of 
13, of a tumor on the brain, and is 
buried at Hammond, Ind. beside his 
parents at Elmwood Cemetery. 


Dean was raised in Hammond, Ind., 
and quit school at the age of sixteen to 
become a 3rd generation brickmason 
of Local #6. Dean moved to Porter 
Twp. after his marriage to Juanita Diane 
Ludington on Oct. 19, 1957. Juanita 
is the 2nd daughter of Maurice B. and 
Frances M. Perrill Ludington, born Jan. 
21, 1938 at Valparaiso, Ind. Juanita 
graduated from Boone Grove High 
School and Comptometer School in 
1955. Her working career ended at 
Indiana General Magnetic Corporation 
of Valparaiso, to await the arrival of 
their son Dean Benjamin born June 22, 
1968. In February 1968 Dean and 
Juanita moved from their trailer home 


in Porter Twp. to a house in Union Twp. 
where they still reside. Dean A. is an 
active member of Bricklayers Local #6 
and is their Recording Secretary. He 
enjoys hunting and fishing. Dean and 
Juanita help farm her parents land in 
Porter Twp. As a family they enjoy 
boating and fishing on Lake Michigan. 


ENOS MELVILLE AND 
CAROLYN LOUCIEL HUNTER 


Enos Melville and Carolyn Louciel 
Hunter, R. 1, Hebron, Ind., were mar- 
ried on August 8, 1941. 


Enos: born May 20, 1894 at Rose- 
mont, Ontario, Canada, the son of Ham- 
ilton and Catherine Hunter. He served 
as a Lt. in the first World War in the 
British Royal Flying Corps. He came to 
the United States in 1923, to Valparaiso 
in 1926. He was employed by McGill 
Mfg. Co. as Foreman of the Mainte- 
nance for 34 years. In 1950 he and his 
wife, Carolyn, moved from Center Twp. 
to an 80 acre farm in Boone Twp. to 
further his interest in registered Angus 
cattle. 

Carolyn: born in Center Twp., Porter 
Co., the daughter of Richard Wesley 
and Margaret MacGregor Lytle. Also 
born to this union were John Wesley, 
Richard MacGregor, Margaret Cordelia 
and Robert Denison. Her father was the 
son of Aaron Wesley and Cordelia Deni- 
son Lytle. Aaron Wesley was the son of 
Aaron and Hannah Jones Lytle. Aaron 
W. Lytle was born in Boone Twp. July 
12, 1841. Mrs. Hunter served as Dep. 
Treas. of Porter County for 4 years. She 
was active in the G.O.P. of Porter Co., 
serving as County Vice-Chairman for 4 
years beginning in 1938. In 1954 she 
began work at the First State Bank 
(now First National Bank) and was the 
Auditor of the Bank for 15 years until 
her retirement in 1971. She is a mem- 


ber of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Valparaiso and the Margaret Bryant 
Blackstone Chapter of the NSDAR of 
Hebron. 


MR. AND MRS. DANIEL HOWE 

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Howe reside on 
LaHayne Road in Liberty Township with 
their young son Jason. Both Daniel, 
son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Howe, and 
Cheryl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ever- 
ett Glancy, are lifelong residents of Por- 
ter County. 


Daniel attended St. Patrick Elemen- 
tary School and graduated from Ches- 
terton High School in 1965. He then 
attended Indiana University Northwest 
for one year, and has been employed as 
a General Motors Parts Manager since 
1967. Cheryl attended Liberty Town- 
ship School and graduated third in her 
class of 1967. After graduation, Cheryl 
attended Valparaiso University for one 
semester and received a certificate in 
interior design from LaSalle Extension 
University. Mrs. Howe was also em- 
ployed at Chesterton State Bank during 
1968-69. 


Dan and Cheryl were married at St. 
Patrick Church in Chesterton on Sept. 
7, 1968. Their son, Jason Alan, was 
born at Porter Memorial Hospital on 
April 19, 1971. 

The Howes are members of St. Pat- 
rick Church, where Mrs. Howe teaches 
Sunday Preschool. Mrs. Howe is also 
current president of Zeta Pi Chapter of 
Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority. 

Both Dan and Cheryl enjoy many 
hobbies, including outdoor activities 
such as golfing and gardening. 


IDEN FAMILY HISTORY 


The Iden family moved to Valparaiso 
in 1934 with the idea that their daugh- 
ters might attend Valparaiso University 
when they were old enough. Mr. Iden 
graduated from the University in 1917. 
Another reason for moving to Valparaiso 
was the fact that Mr. Iden was a Penn- 
sylvania Railroad employee in Chicago 
and thus he had transportation to 
Chicago. 

The daughters, Gladis and Ruth, at- 
tended school at the Gardener School, 
Central School, and graduated from Val- 
paraiso High School. After graduation 
from high school they both started 
working for the Pennsylvania Railroad 


at the Polk Street freight house and 
when the New York Central and the 
Pennsylvania became the Penn Central 
Railroad, the girls were transferred to 


the Union Station in Chicago and are 
still employed there. 

Mr. Iden died in 1960 but the girls 
and their mother still live in Valparaiso. 
Ruth enrolled in night school at the uni- 
versity three years ago but had to quit 
because of illness. Mrs. Iden is an ac- 
tive member of the Valparaiso Women’s 
Club. 


JACOBS FAMILY 


Here is the complete genealogy of 
the Jacobs family as descended from 
eight brothers and sisters: 

1. Fred Jacobs—Minnie Kuehl 
1. Girl (died at birth) 
2. Dorothea—Paul Kuehl 
1. John—tLaurel Wright 
1. Chad J. 
3. Clarence—Leona Drews 
1. George—Sharon Sexton 
1. Sheryl—Ronald Berry 
2. Susan 
3. Connie 
4. Thomas 
2. Karen—Edward L. Martin 
1. Darrell 
2. Jerry 
3. Mark 
4. Sherry 
August (Gus) Jacobs—Elizabeth Ruge 
1. Son (died as infant) 
2. Marjorie—Richard Thrasher 
1. Lewis—Donna Taylor 
2. John—Elaine Montarco 
Martha Jacobs—John Dinse 

1. Vernon—Mildred Casel 
1. Nancy 
2. Ruth Ann—Don Nicholson 
Helen—Harry Spohn 
Melva—Harold McGriff (died)/ 
George Drazer (died)/Paul 
Atchison 
1. Betty-Lou—Jack Wild 


aN 


126 


JACOBS FAMILY 
Pictured are the eight Jacobs sisters and brothers in a photo taken August, 1959. The 
following decendents of the Jacobs family are listed from left to right, as follows: Fred 
Jacobs, August Jacobs, Martha Jacobs Dinse, Louis Jacobs, Minnie Jacobs Hoth, Frieda 
Jacobs Harbeck, Ablert Jacobs, Walter Jacobs. 


2. Janet—Michael O'Connor 4. Wilbert—Carolyn . . 
(divorced)/Robert Zivier 1. Joan—Kenneth Sels 
1. Keven 2. Jean— 
2. Kurt Frieda Jacobs—Otto Harbeck 
3. Ronald . ; 1. Robert—Ava Hough 
3. William—tLinda Miller 1. John— 
i. William Jt. 2. Alice—Kenneth Blood 
2. Kimberly 1. Melissa 
Louis Jacobs—Carla Luedtke 3. Barbara Kathryn 
1. Louis—Audrey Reinert 2. Kathryn—Charles Wilson 
1. David—Sharon Christy 1. Byron—Darlene Hadtke 
1. Brenda 1. Beth 
2. Laurel 2. David 
2. Diann—Leonard P. Taceh 3. Kathy 
3. Dennis—Marie Kosik 2. Judith—Ben Boldt Jr. 
1. Bridget 1. Heather 
2. Andrea 2. Ben! 3rd 


2. Marie—Pete Fosler 


LL L 3. Phyllis—Jerry Duchs 
RS ER LD Albert Jacobs—Lillian Ruge 
1. Amanda 


2. Sheryl i, Marguerite—Fred Skinner 
1. Loreli—Richard Alt 


2. Larry—Sandra-Sue Herman , 
2. Deborah—James Oelling 


3. Margaret—George Rainwaters 


1. James—Barbara Kretz Walter Jacobs—Rose Gast 
4. Evelyn—Oivelle Linnell 1. Rosemary—Rex Moore 
1. Robert—Martha Watson 1, Lynn—Tom Cook 
1. Robert Jr. 2. Chris 
2. William—Mildred Dongess 3. Larry 
1. William Jr. 2. Frances—Estas Moore 
3. James—Pamela Wheeler 1. Terry—Chris Kilmer 
4. Charles—Dicky-Ann Cooper 2. Larry 
5. Kathie Fern Albertson 
5. Ruth—Clayton Ludington 1. Richard—Faulene . . 
Minnie Jacobs—Herman Hoth 1. Michael Dean 
1. Raymond—Helen .. . 2. Sandra Dee 
2. Wallace— (died) 3. Patrick Lee 
3. Charles—Mary Ann Mathew 2. Norman—Marjorie Dalke 
1. Lou-Ann—. . 1. Julie 
(3 girls) 2. Jacqueline 
2. Phillip— 3. Daron 
(2 children) 4. Steve 


3. Robert—Rochelle Davidson 
1. Jeffery 
2. John 
3. Jane 
4. Allen—Sally Dust 
1. Marly 
2. Stacy Lynn 


CHARLES JOHNSON 


Charles Johnson, born in Stockholm, 
Sweden, in 1851, immigrated to the 
United States, and settled in Porter 
County in 1872. 


His first job was in the Porter Brick 
Yard, where he worked for $1.25 a day. 
He married Nellie Johnson, and bought 
some acreage in Suman Valley, Jackson 
Twp. Later he purchased 160 acres on 
what is known as County Rd. 600 N, 
just east of #49, where he built the 
homestead. Ten children were born to 
them, seven sons and three daughters. 
The sons were Frank, John, Walter, Au- 
gust, Arthur, Harry and Elmer. The 
daughters were Minnie, Hulda and Na- 
omi. John died in infancy and Naomi 
when she was seventeen. 


All the children attended Suman 
School, Carter School, and Jackson 
Twp. High School. They attended the 
Swedish Lutheran Church in Chesterton, 
where they were confirmed. They de- 
livered milk to the University and made 
ice from Flint Lake. The family made 
their own cheeses, which were wrapped 
and hung in the attic until needed. 
They dried their fruit, meat was butch- 
ered on the farm, the hams, bacon were 
smoked in the old smoke house, while 
other meat was fried down, put in 
crocks and covered with fat, to be re- 
heated when needed. 


One Christmas the candles on the 
Christmas tree caught fire and the tree 
had to be thrown out the door, much to 
the dismay of the children. The large 
family was a busy and happy one. 

Both daughters married men attend- 
ing Valparaiso University and moved 
away, while all the sons were engaged 
in farming. They purchased 80 more 
acres across the road from the home- 
stead in Washington Twp. 

Charles, the father, died in 1913, 
and Nellie, his wife, in 1915. The sons 
continued farming. Frank remained a 
bachelor, Walter married Jennie Ander- 
son from Chesterton, August married 
Flora Crowe, from Jackson Twp., Harry 


married Minnie Targgart from Chester- 
ton, Arthur married Jessie Blachly from 
Kouts, and Elmer married Mabel Bainer 
of Hammond. 

The sons bought 80 more acres in 
Center Twp., and 120 acres in Washing: 
ton Twp., and continued farming. 

All of these children of Charles and 
Nellie Johnson have passed on with the 
exception of Elmer, who with his wife 
Mabel, live on half of the original home- 
stead acreage. They are both retired 
now, and Charles A. Johnson, a nephew, 
operates their farm, as well as his own 
and others. Four grandchildren of 
Charles and Nellie Johnson also live on 
parts of the homestead place. 

The three sons of Arthur Johnson, 
Arthur Jr., Loren, and Eugene, farm sev- 
eral hundred acres in Washington Twp. 
with the latest equipment. 

Of the sixteen grandchildren of 
Charles and Nellie Johnson born in Por- 
ter County, only three are living else- 
where. 

We believe that Charles Johnson, 
who settled in Porter County more than 
one hundred years ago, and his de- 
scendants have contributed much to the 
agriculture progress of Porter County, 
Indiana. 


THE PAUL R. JOHNSON 
FAMILY 


Paul was the youngest, in a family of 
11 children, born 1/30/1904, in Wood- 
ville, Porter Co. His father, Wm. Vin- 
cent Johnson, was a descendant of Ann 
and Wm. Thomas |, who settled and 
founded Chesterton, about the 1830's, 
and built the first church, school, store, 
Post Office and Inn. Wm. Johnson was 
Supt. of roads, and built the house and 
store where Paul grew up. In Woodville 
there was another store, Post Office, 
Creamery, and Nursery. The B.&O.R.R. 
train stopped there, where dairy farm- 
ers brought milk, to go to Chicago. Paul 
recalls the immigrant train accident, 
also another immigrant train with Euro- 


pean women going to Chicago. Some 
men boarded the train, and chose wives. 
Paul’s grandfather, Thomas Johnson, 
built the house where Irwin Pope now 
lives. Thomas took two sons, Wm. and 
Franklin, to the ‘‘opening of the Okla. 
Territory” and to Kansas. They went by 
horses and wagon and ferried the Miss. 
River. Alice Hineline Johnson’s father, 
Wm. Hineline, came to Porter Co. in 
1848. He sawed ties for the Lake Shore 
R.R. When young, Alice went by R.R. 
to Noble Co., Ind. Both Wm. and Alice 
were lifelong residents of Porter Co. 

Paul studied at the General Electric 
School, Fort Wayne, where he met and 
married Dorothy Rowe. Dorothy traces 
her heritage to the Mayflower Chiltons, 
Capt. John Chilton, and to the Ball fam- 
ily including Geo. Washington. Also, 
through the Ream's family to Ind. Gov. 
Winfield T. Durbin, in the late 1800's. 

Raymond, son of Paul and Dorothy, 
was born in Detroit, Mich., 1934, while 
Paul worked for the Ford Co. They soon 
returned to Porter Co., where Paul was 
employed by U. S. Steel for 3414 years. 
He built their present home in 1940. 
Sandra, a daughter, was born in 1944. 
Paul and his children were students at 
Liberty Twp. School. 

Raymond earned a Bachelor’s degree 
at Valparaiso Univ., and completed his 
Ph.D. at Western Reserve. He then 
moved to Washington, D. C., where he 
is now Sr. Scientist for American Insti- 
tute of Research, with offices in Wash- 
ington, D. C. and Geneva, Switzerland. 
His wife Freida is a budget analyst for 
U. S. Government. Sandra received her 
B.A. degree from Simmons College, 
Boston, and M.S. in Psychology at Rut- 
gers U. She married Howard Kirken- 
dall who is financial analyst with |.B.M. 
They live in New Rochelle, N. Y. with 
their two children, Brice and London. 
Sandra teaches children, and writes and 
performs with the ‘Silver Penny Pup- 
pets”’. 

Dorothy Johnson has been active in 
community service and organizations, 
which honored her as ‘‘Woman of Dis- 
tinction’, 1961. She worked as a volun- 
teer for the Red Cross, Porter Memorial 
Hospital, Church Women United, Feder- 
ation of Women’s Clubs, taught and di- 
rected Sunday School 22 years. The 
Johnsons are members of St. Andrew’s 
Episcopal Church. Since Paul’s retire- 
ment, he and Dorothy enjoy trips, and 
in Florida he is an avid fisherman. 


BIOGRAPHY OF LEONARD 
JOHNSON 


1, Leonard Johnson, was born Janu- 
ary 24, 1899 to Swedish parents, Albert 
and Hulda Johnson, in Pine Township 
near Beverly Shores, south of Hiway 12. 
One brother, George, died in infancy, 
and another brother, Arthur T. Johnson, 
was born March 31, 1896. |, Leonard, 
attended Pine Township schools for 
eight years, and Elston High in Michi- 
gan City for two years. I had to quit 
because of World War I. 

My brother, Arthur, graduated from 
Elston High, and later from Augustana 
College, in Rock Island, Ill., in 1917. 
Arthur, with members of the college 
band, joined the U.S. Army as a unit. 
Arthur later transferred to the Signal 
Corps. He became First Lieutenant and 
was an observer on Reconnoissance 
Planes flying over Germany. He was 
shot down September 12, 1918, during 
the St. Mihiel drive at the town of 
Fluery, France. His body was returned 
three years later, and is buried in the 
Augusburg Church Cemetery in Porter. 

|, Leonard, left the farm in the 1930's 
to become a masonry and concrete con- 
tractor, retiring in 1968. 

In 1949, | married Lucile Wheeler, 
daughter of Raymond and Frances 
Wheeler of Valparaiso. She retired in 
1956 after teaching school 33 years— 
32 in Pine Township. Her sister, Lenora 
E. Wheeler, a graduate of Michael 
Reese School of Nursing, was a Porter 
County School nurse, before joining the 
Sth Army stationed in England during 
World War II. We are living in the house 
that my father built in 1897, and en- 
joying retirement. 

Submitted by Leonard Johnson 
Beverly Shores, Indiana 


LYNETTE JOHNSON 


There are four people in the family. 
My dad’s name is Phil and my mom’s 
name is Joan. My sister’s name is 
Luann and my name is Lynette. 


My dad is a Real Estate Salesman 
and my mom is a Secretary. My sister 
is in the 8th grade and | am in the 5th 
grade. Both of my grandparents live in 
Porter County, so we stayed here too. 
When my sister and | were little, my dad 
farmed and we raised cattle. 


127 


128 


We have lived on four farms. Now 


we are building a new house. 

My mom plays piano for the Hope- 
well Singers and my dad drives their 
big bus. We go places and do things 
together and we are a happy family. 


Lynette Johnson 


JESSE JOHNSTON 


Jesse Johnston was born June 10, 
1808 in Rose County, Ohio and died 
May 28, 1895. His profession was a 
lawyer. He married Rebecca Pickett of 
Tippecanoe County, Indiana, on Novem- 
ber 22, 1830. In the year 1834, they 
came to Porter County and settled at 
Twenty Mile Prairie, Ind. In 1851, they 
moved to LaPorte Avenue, then to Old 
Sac Trail. He was appointed the first 
Probate Judge of Porter County in 
1836. Rebecca died June 5, 1864. 
They were the parents of six (6) daugh- 
ters and five (5) sons. 


Judge William Johnston was born 
February 14, 1842 in Porter County and 
died October 10, 1915, also in Porter 
County. On August 16, 1888, he mar- 
ried Maud McKeehan in Valparaiso, In- 
diana. Judge Johnston taught school 
to put himself through college. Gradu- 
ated in 1866 from Asbury College (now 
DePauw University), Greencastel, as a 
lawyer. In 1889, he was elected Judge 
of the Circuit Court of Valparaiso. Maud 
McKeehan Johnston was born June 23, 
1865 and died on April 13, 1923, in 
Chicago, Illinois. They were the parents 
of two (2) girls and two (2) boys. 


William McKeehan Johnston was born 
on March 25, 1892 in Valparaiso, Indi- 
ana. He died October 17, 1957, also 
in Valparaiso. He married Pearle Cyn- 
thia Stoner in Valparaiso, March 21, 
1917. He attended the local city schools 
and graduated twice from the University 
of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1913 he 
received a Literary Arts degree and re- 
ceived his Law degree in 1916. After 
practicing law for some years, he be- 
came Bailiff for Judge Charles Jensen 
in the Circuit Court. At the death of 
Judge Jensen, and the beginning of 
World War II, he went to work at McGills 
where he worked for a number of years. 
When Judge Jacob Fleshbein was 
elected to the bench of the Superior 
Court, William served as his Bailiff until 
his death in 1957. He also served as a 


volunteer fireman for many years. 
Pearle Cynthia Stoner Johnston was 
born in Valparaiso, February 25, 1889. 
They were the parents of one daughter, 
Deleha Maudette Johnston. 


CHARLES J. KINGSBURY 


The Charles J. Kingsbury family 
moved to Valparaiso from Rochelle, IIli- 
nois in February 1966. They bought 
the farmland of the George Carver fam- 
ily, from their daughter, Sadie Kennelly. 
The 1214 acre farm is located on Yel- 
lowstone Road next to the Grand Trunk 
Railroad tracks. 

Charles J. Kingsbury is the Bureau 
Chief of the Valparaiso office of the 
Post Tribune. His wife, Mary Jean, is a 
teacher in the Valparaiso school sys- 
tem. Their sons, Kyle age 18 and Shan- 
non 16, are students at the Valparaiso 
High School. 

The farm home is listed in the Cen- 
tury Homes of the Porter County Bi- 
Centennial Committee, having been 
built in 1867. 


KLEIST FAMILY 


My family consists of five people. 

| am Billie R. Kleist, | am 10 years 
old. | was born in Porter County in the 
town of Valparaiso and | have lived 
there all my life except for when we 
moved to Kouts in June, 1975. 

My father, Melvin T. Kleist, age 29, 
was born and raised in Porter County 
near Valparaiso. 

My mother, Connie R. Kleist, age 29, 
was born in Valparaiso and has lived 
there her entire life except for a brief 
period of time she spent in California. 

My brother, Gregory J. Kleist, age 
11, was born in Valparaiso and has lived 
there his entire life. 

My sister, Jacqueline S. Kleist, age 
7, was born in Valparaiso and has lived 
there her entire life. 

When my grandmother was a little 
girl her family moved to Porter County 
from Tennessee. They moved here be- 
cause of jobs. 


KOSANKE BROTHERS FUNERAL 


HOME 
KOUTS, INDIANA 
1882 — 1976 


A continuous successful business in 
its third generation having been estab- 
lished in 1882 by Ewalt R. Kosanke, 


who came to Kouts from Wanatah with 
his wife, the former Matilda Rosen- 
baum. 

They raised a family of three sons, 
Herman F., William F., and Edward A., 
and three daughters, Mrs. Annette 
Humphrey, Mrs. Laura E. Wulf and Miss 
Anna Kosanke. 

Ewalt built a building on the present 
site of the Kouts Hardware and there 
made and repaired furniture. When a 
village blacksmith died a mortician from 
Valparaiso had to come to Kouts by 
horse and wagon to take care of the 
funeral. At that time Ewalt was ap- 
proached to take up the undertaking 
business in conjunction with his furni- 
ture making. He then made the caskets 
for his business. 

His three sons followed him in the 
business. Herman, the eldest son who 
married Florence Wells, joined his fath- 
er in business in the year 1900. They 
had three daughters, Mrs. Lucile Wen- 
inger, Mrs. Charolet Corson and Mrs. 
Mary McCuaig. 

William, who married Clara Behrends, 
joined his father and brother in busi- 
ness in the year 1912. They had two 
daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Bodecker and 
Mrs. Lorraine Britt. 

Edward, the youngest of the sons, 
joined his brothers in the year 1924. 
He married Lena Lamp! and they had 
one son, James, who presently operates 
the funeral home in Kouts. 

James, who joined his father and two 
uncles in 1948, married Joan Edwards. 
They have oiie son, Edward J., and one 
daughter, Mrs. Sue Schoon, and a 
grandson, Anthony Schoon. A second 
son was born in March 1876 and was 
named Nicholas James. 

For many years the Kosanke Broth- 
ers operated furniture and funeral busi- 
ness in the towns of Kouts, LaCrosse 
and Union Mills. 

In 1941 a funeral chapel was built 
on the home site of the late Ewalt Ko- 
sanke, with additional improvements 
being made in the years of 1960 and 
1964. 

James and his wife Joan now live in 
the funeral home. 


DOROTHY M. BOLLS KRAUSE 
AND CARL ALBERT OTTO 
KRAUSE 


Carl Albert Otto Krause was born on 
June 23, 1911 to Albert Otto Krause 
and Frances Fell Krause. His father 


was born and raised in Knox, Indiana 
and his mother was born in Monterey, 
Indiana. 

Dorothy M. Bolles Krause was born 
October 30, 1908 in Lockport, Illinois, 
to Charles Bolles and Jesse Tupper. 
Charles Bolles was from the Lockport 
area and Jesse Tupper is a descendant 
of the Tupper family which was one of 
the founding families of Sandwich, Mas- 
sachusetts. 

They were married on July 16, 1932 
in Gary, Indiana and resided in Hobart 
until October, 1941. At that time with 
their six children they moved to a farm 
in Jackson Township, Porter County, 
Indiana. For the total sum of $4,500 
they purchased a farm containing 80 
acres which included a house, barn and 
other farm buildings. Here the family 
lived until 1956. At that time they sold 
the farm with the exception of 40 acres 
of land on which a new home was built. 
Another home was built on a different 
portion of this land in 1971, and the 
house built in 1956 was sold. 

Ten children were born to this cou- 
ple including: Carl Daniel—June 22, 
1933; Leslie Howard—February 3, 
1935; Richard William—July 28, 1936; 
Barbara Ann—March 7, 1938; Carol 
Frances—May 6, 1939; Jerry Michael 
—December 13, 1940; David Floyd— 
December 10, 1943; Evelyn Ruth — 
January 2, 1945; Albert Otto—January 
24, 1949: and Gail Dorothy—October 
12, 1952. 

Carl worked for United States Steel 
in Gary, Indiana for 40 years, retiring 
in 1969. During that period of time he 
also farmed on a part-time basis. 


KRIEGER FAMILY AREA 
FARMERS FOR 106 YEARS 


Herman Kreiger came to Porter 
County from Germany in 1869. He 
married Mary Catherine Bearss about 
the middle of the 1870's. They raised 
7 children: George H., Mae, Grace, 
Flora (Mrs. Jay Beem), Myron, Charles, 
and Zella (Mrs. Harvey Varner). 

Myron died at age 17, Mae died in 
1917 and Grace died in 1947. Flora 
died at age 89 in 1974. She had lived 
in Knox, Indiana, for more than 30 
years. Her survivors were 10 children, 
35 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchil- 
dren and one great-great-grandchild. 

After farming several places in Por- 
ter Township, Herman bought a farm 


on Jenkens Road. In 1903 George H. 
bought a farm across the road. He built 
a house on it in 1911, when his father 
sold his farm to Charles and Laura (Al- 
dendorf). When George married Jane 
E. Hawes of Ontario, Canada, in 1915 
his father bought a 10 acre tract ad- 
joining and moved there with his three 
daughters. Herman Kreiger died in 
1921. 

Charles and Laura raised 4 children: 
Herman, Dorothy (Mrs. James Clifford), 
Kathryn (Mrs. Ray Sawtell) and Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. Al Holman of Indianapolis). 

Herman farmed with his father. He 
married Carrie Meyer in 1945. They 
have one adopted son, John E. M., and 
two granddaughters. Herman sold part 
of the farm for a subdivision and raises 
draft horses and drives school bus for 
Boone Grove School. 

John H. also farmed with his father. 
He married M. Eloise Born in 1942. 
They have 4 children—Thomas, Made- 
lyn Jane (Mrs. Robert Pecor) and 
George F. and James. 

Tom bought a farm on Boone Grove 
road. He farms part-time and works as 
an ironworker. George and Jim farm 
in partnership with John. They sell 
Chief grain bins and buildings on the 
side. Also Pfister’s seed corn and 
beans. They also do some bulldozing 
and trenching. John has 8 grandchil- 
dren that are getting started in the fam- 
ily tradition—sand box farming. 

Charles and George H. Kreiger both 
died in 1956 at ages of 69 and 78 
respectively. 

Zella Varner taught school until her 
marriage to Harvey Varner. They lived 
in Valparaiso and had four children: 
Jane (Mrs. Richard Ruge of Liberty 
Twp.), Harvey Jr., Betty and Malcolm 
(of Rochester, Minnesota). 


DR. H. PAUL AND FLORENCE 
LACOUNT 


Dr. H. Paul and Florence LaCount, 
descendants of Charles F. LaCount and 
Walter E. Atwell families, were born 
and reared in Porter County. The La- 
Count family was residents of Morgan 
Township while the Atwell family was 
residents of Porter Township. 

Paul was educated in the _ local 
schools and Northwestern U. Dental 
School. He practiced dentistry in Val- 
paraiso from 1923-1933 until his death 
January 30, 1933. 


Florence attended our local schools 
and Ball State University. She retired 
in 1968 after thirty-three years of 
teaching in Porter County and Valpar- 
aiso Community School systems. She 
now resides in the home on Chicago 
Street, Valparaiso, which was purchased 
by her grandfather, W. T. Atwell, in 
1913. 

It is at this location where she reared 
two children born to her and Dr. Paul. 
Their son, Dr. Delmar Paul LaCount, 
who like his father was a graduate of 
Northwestern University Dental School, 
is a practicing dentist in Valparaiso. He 
served two years in the Army Air Force 
during World War II before entering pri- 
vate practice. He and his wife, Peggy 
Soderling LaCount, are parents of two 
daughters: Nancy Carole is a graduate 
of Indiana University and a teacher in 
special education. Suzanne is a student 
at Cincinnati University in the School 
of Design. 

Virginia Mae, a daughter of Paul and 
Florence, is married to Don Valo. She 
is a graduate of Purdue University and 
a teacher in Junior High School at Syl- 
vania, Ohio. They have one son, Thom- 
as Scott Valo, who is a student at Ohio 
State University Dental School. 


EARL F. LANDGREBE 


Mr. Landgrebe owns and is actively 
involved in the operation of Landgrebe 
Motor Transport, Incorporated and 
Landgrebe and Son International Har- 
vester Agency in Valparaiso, Indiana. 
He has been in the trucking business 
for over three decades. 

He served in the Indiana General 
Assembly as a state senator for ten 
years from 1958 to 1968. In 1968 he 
was elected to the United States House 
of Representatives, serving in the 91st, 
92nd and 93rd Congresses. Mr. Land- 
grebe’s special committees were the 
District of Columbia and the Education 
and Labor Committee. He was a rank- 
ing minority member on the Subcom- 
mittee on Government Operations and 
the Subcommittee on Agricultural La- 
bor. 

Mr. Landgrebe’s commitment to the 
well-being of Porter County residents 
included active participation and ser- 
vice in organizations dedicated to pub- 
lic service: Porter County Guidance 
Clinic, United Cerebral Palsy of North- 


129 


130 


west Indiana, Porter County Mental! 
Health. He is a past president of the 
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, and 
is currently a member in good stand- 
ing of the Rotary International. 

Earl Landgrebe was born in Porter 
County, Indiana on January 21, 1916. 
He was married to the former Helen 
Field of Valparaiso, Indiana in 1936. 
They have two sons: Roger, who lives 
in Valparaiso and is a contributor to 
the family business; and Ron, who lives 
in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. and 
Mrs. Landgrebe have three grandchil- 
dren. 


Mr. and Mrs. Landgrebe are mem- 
‘pers of the Trinity Lutheran Church in 
Valparaiso. 


AMY MAIRE LANSDOWNE 


My name is Amy Marie Lansdowne. 
|! was born on April 9, 1965, in Porter 
Memorial Hospital. | live in Kouts, In- 
diana. | attend fifth grade at Kouts 
school. | have a mother and a father 
and four sisters. My father’s name is 
William Arnold Lansdowne. He was 
born in Valparaiso on February 24, 
1931. My mother’s name is Margaret 
Ann Fox Lansdowne. She was born in 
Hebron on August 20th, 1932. 

My oldest sister’s name is Peggy Lee 
Lansdowne, born December 19, 1952. 
My other sisters are Linda Sue Lans- 
downe, born August 3, 1957, and Paula 
Jean Lansdowne born September 29th, 
1960. Also, Pamela Jane Lansdowne, 
born on September 29th, 1960. 

Peggy's husband, Steven Gregory 
Redelman, was born February 29th, 
1952, has become a resident in Porter 
County. It’s a little town and is work 
is good and my father is a member of 
Kouts American Legion and my mother 
is a member of the Kouts Women’s 
Auxiliary. The Kouts Christian Church 
is our church. Hebron Masonic Lodge 
1, B,E, w loboco 531. 


PETER G. AND AGNES (JOHNSON) 
LARSON 


My father was born September 28, 
1891 in Ostre Ljunby Skine and came 
to the United States at the age of 17. 
He had attended a cabinet makers sko- 
la. His first job was at Lincoln park in 
Chicago. When he was 21, he joined 
the local carpenters union (Brother- 


hood) in Chicago, where he worked 
with various construction firms, as a 
carpenter, a foreman and finally as a 
Superintendent with the Ouimette Con- 
struction Associates. He worked on the 
Fine Arts Building, the Aragon and 
Drake Hotels, museum of Science and 
Industry, The Edgwater Beach Build- 
ings and both World’s Fairs, 1893 and 
1930. 

My mother was born in Smaland, 
Knifringa Bo Sweden, February 18th, 
1873. She came to the home of her 
grandmother and bachelor uncle, Alfred 
Johnson, Uncle Alfred was the farmer 
and general overseer for Mrs. Francis 
Howe and Grandmother Marie Bailly. 
So mother grew up on the Bailly Home- 
stead. At the age of 17, she went to 
Chicago to work as a maid in the home 
of a family from Louisville, Kentucky. 
Mrs. Ferguson loved mother very much 
and encouraged her to learn to read 
English. Both mother and father did 
not attend school here, but were an- 
xious to learn. They both became mas- 
ters at it. 

Father became an expert with con- 
struction blue prints. He was most 
anxious to become an American citizen. 

Mother and Dad were married after 
seven years courtship. The ceremony 
was performed by the Swedish Luther- 
an minister in the farmhouse where 
Mother had lived with Grandmother. It 
is a log house, now sided and the War- 
ren Smith home across from the Good- 
fellow camp, moved north from it's 
original site. 

There were seven children born to 
this family. Margaret, born in Chicago. 
She was a Westchester primary teacher 
for forty-eight years, 1919 to 1967. 

Agnes, Mrs. E. Lewis, who lives in 
Knoxville, Tenn., Reginald, who married 
Dorothy Moulton, who lives in Porter, 
Ind. and is a construction superinten- 
dent. Myrtle, who passed away August 
20, 1930. Erma, who died in an acci- 
dent June 12, 1934. Mauritz (Fritz), 
who married Mrs. Foneta Charlson. He 
has three daughters, Mrs. Dick Mich- 
aels, Mrs. Arthur Montreuil, Mrs. Gene 
Royal, Harrison and Charles Charlson. 
Violet, who is an office secretary with 
National Tube, U.S. Steel. 

Mother was confirmed in Augsburg 
Lutheran Church at Porter and the fam- 


ily has been Christened and confirmed 
there. John R. Larson, our Indiana 
State Representative of District 2, is 
the son of Reginald Larson. He is mar- 
ried to the former Judy Pifer and lives 
at 161 Sheffield, Valparaiso. 

Peter and Agnes Larson returned to 
live in the brick house of the Bailly 
Homestead from Oct., 1907 to July 
1911. They were very close to Frances 
Howe, Joseph Bailly’s granddaughter. 
Mother passed away February 7, 1947 
and Father died October 5, 1952 at the 
age of 80. 


MR. AND MRS. RICHARD H. 
LAUBE 


The Laube family arrived in Valpa- 
raiso from St. Peter, Minnesota in 1957 
in order for the breadwinner to become 
a faculty member at Valparaiso Univer- 
sity. Both parents, however, had ear- 
lier exposure to the city as undergrad- 
uate students on the VU campus. The 
state of lowa is the mother’s home, 
while the father was born in Kankakee, 
Ilinois. 


The family has four female offspring: 
Patricia (now Mrs. Roger D. Sims of 
Munster with three children), Lois 
(serving as a reference librarian at the 
main library in Indianapolis), Mary (now 
Mrs. William D. Davis of Valparaiso 
with one child and is a teacher in a lo- 
cal day-care unit), and Marie (now Mrs. 
Rudy Higgins, no children, an elemen- 
tary teacher in the Lowell, Indiana, sys- 
tem). All four girls are Valparaiso Uni- 
versity graduates. 


Our mother, Ruth, is a teacher in 
the business department of the local 
high school. She is active in PEO, Fac- 
ulty Women’s Club, the University 
Guild and Immanuel! Lutheran Church 
and a VU graduate. 

Our father, Dick, is now serving as 
Dean, College of Business Administra- 
tion, Valparaiso University. He is a vice 
president of the Rotary Club, chairman 
of the (city) Board of Zoning Appeals, 
Chamber of Commerce member, and 
Porter County Bicentennial committee 
member. In addition to the VU under- 
graduate degree, he holds a Masters 
Degree from the University of Minne- 
sota and a Ph.D. from the University 
of Nebraska. 


LEDFORD 


My name is Spencer Ledford. | have 
a family of six. | have two brothers and 
two sisters. My brothers and sisters 
names are Curtis—9 and Stewart—15, 
my sisters are Diane—16 and Colleen 
—1ig8. | am 11. My mom, Phyllis, is 
40 and my dad, Jim, is 43. My mom 
and dad own a recreation center. We 
moved here because my dad’s hearing- 
aid business brought us here. We lived 
in California before we moved here. | 
was six years old when we moved here. 
When we lived in California, my dad 
travelled. 


THE MICHAEL H. LEMOND 
FAMILY 


“East is east and west is west and 
never the twain shall meet’’ goes the 
old saying. But east and west have met 
to form the Michael Family. Michael, 
the son of Mrs. Frances Lemond pres- 
ently of West Lafayette, Indiana, was 
born in San Pedro, California. Linda 
was born in New York where her par- 
ents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Noble, 
are still living. 

Michael spent most of his boyhood 
in Battleground and Lafayette after his 
family moved from California back to 
the home state of Indiana in 1947. His 
family consisted of his parents, broth- 
ers William, Edward, Robert, James, 
and John, and sister Judy. Mike grad- 
uated from Lafayette Jefferson High 
School where he had played both foot- 
ball and baseball. He attended Purdue 
University and received his bachelor’s 
degree in 1966. He taught at Danville, 
Illinois for a semester before taking a 
teaching and coaching position at Low- 
ell High School. 


Linda grew up in Glendale, a small 
town in the borough of Queens. She 
has one brother, Richard, who now 
lives on Long Island with his wife Su- 
san and their children Richard and 
Sharon. Linda graduated from Martin 
Luther High School and decided to try 
the Hoosier hospitality by coming to 
Valparaiso University. She began her 
student teaching semester in. February 
of 1970 at Lowell High School. There 
she met Mike. 

They were married in August of that 
year at the Gloria Christi chapel in Val- 
paraiso. Mike had taken a new teach- 
ing-coaching position at Portage High 
School and Linda began teaching Sev- 
enth Grade English at Portage’s Wallace 
Aylesworth Middle School. Mike now 
teaches government and economics and 
coaches football under head coach Les 
Klein (who was also head coach at 
Lowell). Mike is also head golf coach. 


Linda taught at Aylesworth for three 
years and then went to Virgil |. Grissom 
Middle School when it first opened. 
She taught seventh and eighth grade 
English, headed the Language Arts de- 
partment, and coached the Drama Club. 
She didn’t complete her first year at 
Grissom, however, when a new citizen 
was added to the Porter County popula- 
tion. Melissa Lyn was born May 11, 
1975 at Porter Memorial Hospital. 


On this Bicentennial the Lemonds ex- 
tend best wishes and greetings to all 
their fellow Americans, especially those 
in Porter County. 


ELMER LEMSTER 


The history of the Elmer Lemster 
family in Porter County goes back to 
the time when his father, Thomas Lem- 
ster, came from Germany as a young 
boy. Soon after his mariage in 1882 to 
Louise Wagenknecht, Thomas built the 
home at 410 E. Lincolnway where in 
1897 Elmer Christopher Lemster was 
born and where some years later, El- 
mer’s son, Robert Thomas Lemster al- 
sO was born. The other child of Elmer 
and his Chicago-born wife, Lillian nee 
Rezac, is Barbara Louise Lemster, now 
Mrs. Wm. Tanke of Valparaiso. 

Elmer Lemster learned the brick ma- 
son trade of his father and there are a 
number of brick houses and buildings 
in this area which are their work. In 
1940 Elmer ran for the office of County 


Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lemster 


Treasurer, won the election and served 
two terms. In 1946 and 47 he managed 
the Dunes State Park Pavilion and ho- 
tel. In 1958 he was elected to the of- 
fice of County Recorder and served two 
terms in that office. He completed his 
political career by serving two terms on 
the Porter County Council. He has also 
served as treasurer of the Porter Coun- 
ty Republican Committee. 

Their Valparaiso residence since 
leaving the large house on Lincolnway 
is at 505 Institute. Mr. Lemster passed 
away shortly before the publication of 
this book. 


WILLIAM LEMSTER FAMILY 


Our family history for 1976 is as 
follows: 


Descendants of William and Augusta 
Moehller Lemster: William L. Lemster 
—Lifetime resident of Center Town- 
ship, whose maternal and_ paternal 
grandparents came from Germany over 
100 years ago. Educated in Porter 
County schools. Employed at Valparai- 
so University. 


Carrie Shupe Lemster—wife—came 
to Porter County in 1929 from Ken- 
tucky. Maternal and paternal grand- 
parents from Old Virginia. Graduated 
from Valpo High and attended Valpar- 
aiso University. Employed on food staff 
at Valparaiso University. Descendant of 
Patrick Henry. Great-great-grandmother 
was Dulcena Jane Henry, who was mar- 
ried to Joseph Patrick Powell. 
Children and Grandchildren: 


1. Marilynn Lemster Krause, wife of 


131 


132 


Les. H. Krause. Graduate of Valparaiso 
High—Les graduated from Purdue U. 
She is employed at McGill Manufactur- 
ing Co. They have two small children, 
Kurt and Kristine. 


2. Karen Lemster Brown—wife of 
Air Force S. Sgt. George W. Brown, is 
in Japan. Graduate of Valparaiso High 
and majored in Art and U. S. History at 
V.U. and Indiana U. They have three 
small children, Brenda, Jennifer and 
Eric. 


3. Douglas N. Lemster, unmarried 
and presently in his second year at Val- 
paraiso Technical Institute. Graduate 
of Valpo High. Namesake of Douglas 
N. Hoback. 


The Lemster Farm will be the site of 
a Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 in 
tribute to the horse-drawn and hand- 
tool farmer. Old fashion picnics, wagon 
rides, square dancing, soap making, 
carding and spinning wool, making ap- 
ple butter, and cider making. A cobweb 
extracts museum, and corn roast will be 
enjoyed. 


Many of the signers of the Declara- 
tion of Independence were farmers. 
This will be a summer-long celebration 
with the help of the neighborhood. 


LEPELL FAMILY 


Nelia Shade in 1893 married George 
LePell. This marriage is the largest 
amount of generations in Valparaiso. 
George LePell’s parents lived in Val- 
paraiso but no records were made or 
found at what year they moved to Val- 
paraiso. George had two brothers: Otto 
LePell, who was one of the first fire- 
men. The LePell family was given the 
first fire bell. It was later given back to 
the fire department, where it should be 
today. The other brother was Frank Le- 
Pell, who was an undertaker for years in 
Valpo. These two brothers also owned 
one of the first furniture stores in Val- 
paraiso. George LePell was the first 
conductor of the first street car in Val- 
paraiso on July 4, 1910. George and 
Nellie had four children: Roy, who is 
retired and lives in California; Ernie, 
who was a magician for years in the 
area and now lives in Hobart; Bertha, 
who died in 1970, and Margaret, who 
married Tracy Havens, a local orchestra 
leader. They had three kids: Elaine, 
Shirly, and Rochelle. Today, they are 


all married with families here in Porter 
County. Margaret today is a great-great- 
grandma and remarried to George Long, 
who once owned a clock shop in Val- 
paraiso. They now live in Chesterton. 
Submitted by Rocky Bartholt 
and Margaret Long 


ALLEN B. LUDINGTON, SR. 


Allen B. Ludington, Sr., born July 
22, 1919, the fourth of ten children 
born to Eber J. and Bertha Dittman 
Fisher Ludington. Eber Ludington was 
the son of James and Elizabeth Gilbert 
Ludington. James was the son of David 
and Elizabeth Edwards Ludington, who 
homesteaded in Porter Township, Por- 
ter County, in the early 1800’s. 

On March 14, 1942, Allen was mar- 
ried to Vivian E. McLaughlin, born in 
Valparaiso, June 13, 1924, to Charles 
and Elsie Shinabarger McLaughlin. 

Allen and Vivian Ludington are the 
parents of five children, Catherine E. 
Ludington Keen, born April 8, 1943; Al- 
len Bennett Ludington, Jr., born April 
10, 1945; Dennis Wayne Ludington, 
born July 17, 1947; Barbara Ann Lud- 
ington, born May 29, 1954; and Beverly 
Diane, born November 22, 1956. 

Family membership is with First Bap- 
tist Church of Valparaiso. Allen Luding- 
ton, Sr. is employed at Sears Roebuck 
in the Customer Service Department, 
and has been active in Boy Scouts of 
America for over 25 years. 


Florence Baird Ludington 


FLORENCE BAIRD LUDINGTON 


Florence Baird Ludington, the only 
child of Lewis F. and Elisabeth Alice 
Baird, was born Jan. 15, 1884, on a 
farm north east of Boone Grove, Ind. 
We lived there until April 1891 when 
my folks moved to Boone Grove. My 
father, Lewis Fluke Baird, was born 
Oct. 12, 1839, in Wayne Co., Ohio. He 
married Cevilla Garman and they had 
three children, Henry, Howard, and Vio- 
la. Cevilla died and was buried in 
Wayne Co., Ohio. His 2nd wife Eunice 
Funk died within a year of ‘heart trou- 
ble. On Jan. 31, 1883, he married 
Elisabeth Alice Campbell, she was born 
Nov. 2, 1853 near Wauseon, Ohio. 

| graduated from Boone Grove High 
School in 1902. On Sept. 25, 1906 | 
married Dick Carlton Ludington. Dick 
was born April 9, 1882, the eldest son 
of Joseph Daniel and Samantha Jones 
Ludington, and passed away Aug. 28, 
1933. He had a brother Clarence and 
a sister Anne Mary. 

We had two sons Maurice Baird and 
Lawrence Dale. Maurice was born Dec. 
22, 1908 and married Frances May Per- 
rill on Oct. 11, 1931. They live 3 miles 
north west of Boone Grove in the house 
that Maurice was born. They have three 
daughters. Lawrence was born Aug. 13, 
1916 and married Mary Alice Waldorph 
on Sept. 6, 1936. They live in Boone 
Grove in the house his Grandfather Jo- 
seph Ludington built in 1916. They 
have three children. | am a member of 
the Boone Grove Christian Church, in 
the last 20 years | have missed two 
Sundays on the account of sickness. My 
activities include Esther Circle, Church 
Fellowship and Senior Citizens Golden 
Year Club. | have also kept a diary since 
1902. In the last 7 years | have made 
comforters for each one of my six grand 
and twelve great grandchildren. | re- 
side in Boone Grove with my son Law- 
rence and at ninety-one | am still lead- 
ing an active life. This summer, 1975, 
| journeyed by car to Florida and Ohio 
visiting relatives. 


JOHN W. LUDINGTON 


John W. Ludington, son of Ross and 
Blanche (Rigg) Ludington was born 


August 9, 1913 north of Boone Grove, 
Indiana. He later moved with his par- 
ents and family to a farm south of 
Boone Grove, Indiana in Porter Town- 
ship. 

He married Virginia Garriott, daugh- 
ter of Clarence and Ferne (Casey) Gar- 
riott, of Morgan Township on August 
15, 1936. Virginia attended for first 4 
years of her schooling a one room 
school, Rising Sun, which was located 
on farm her parents later purchased. 
They rented Fanny Vergin’s house in 
Boone Grove for 714 years. They 
moved to Valparaiso in October 1944, 
they had purchased the home at 1005 
Wood St. In 1951 they sold the Wood 
St. home and moved to 1104 Institute 
where they now reside. 


John is a carpenter by trade, and he 
added two lovely bedrooms to their 
present home as well as many other im- 
provements he made for property, 
building garage, picket fence, drive, 
etc. He is the founder and owner of Val- 
paraiso Window Service, besides car- 
pentry he is a Dealer for Aluminum 
Windows, Doors, and Awnings, also in- 
stalls them. He has roofed many homes 
in Valparaiso and nearby. He is also 
an employee of Indiana General, Val- 
paraiso. 

His wife, Virginia, was an Avon Rep- 
resentative for 12 years as well as a 
Team Captain for Avon Products, Inc. 
She is an office girl for her husband 
and loves her homemaking, filowers, 
and garden. 


They are both members of First 
Christian Church of Valparaiso. John 
is a member of Masonic Lodge #137 
F.A.M. and Scottish Rite of South Bend. 
John is also a Farm Bureau member. 

They are the parents of four children, 
Marvin Wallace who married Judy 
Doepping and resides at 1716 Beech 
St. Valparaiso and Susan Jan, at home 
and an Avon Representative. Two sons, 
Ronald Eugene and Jerry Alan passed 
away in infancy. They are the grandpar- 
ents of twins, Mark and Marcy Luding- 
ton. 


LAWRENCE LUDINGTON 
FAMILY 


Lawrence Dale and Mary Alice (Wal- 
dorph) Ludington were married Septem- 


ber 6, 1936 and have lived their entire 
lives in Porter County. Lawrence is the 
second son of Dick C. and Florence 
(Baird) Ludington. Mary Alice is fifth 
child of Harry D. and Lottie A. (Hicks) 
Waldorph. 

Lawrence has worked for Chester 
Hybrids, has owned his own business, 
and has farmed some. He now works 
for McGills in Valparaiso. 

They have three  children—Linda 
Jean born in 1942, Kathy Sue in 1952, 
and James Kent in 1959. Their daugh- 
ter, Linda Henson, has five children. 
Tammy Jean was born in 1958, Terri 
Lee in 1960, Robert Lawrence in 1965, 
Tracy Lynn in 1966, and Krista Kay in 
1969. 

Kathy graduated from Boone Grove 
High School and attended Ball State 
University. James is a junior at Boone 
Grove and attends Vocational School in 
Valparaiso. 

Lawrence attended Boone Grove all 
twelve years and graduated in 1934. 
Mary Alice also graduated from Boone 
Grove in 1934 but attended Gardner, 
Central, and nearly three years of High 
School in Valparaiso. 

They are active in the Boone Grove 
Christian Church. Mary Alice belongs 
to the Porter Twp. Homemakers, Law- 
rence is a volunteer fireman. Both be- 
long to the school’s P.T.O. Lawrence is 
a member of the Advisory Board and 
therefore is very interested in the 
growth and activities of the school. 


MAURICE BAIRD LUDINGTON 


Born Dec. 22, 1908, on the 154 
acre farm where he now resides, three 


miles north west of Boone Grove, Ind. 

The son of Dick Carlton and Florence 
Baird Ludington. His brother Lawrence 
lives in Boone Grove. Maurice grew up 
in the Boone Grove Community partici- 
pating in all its activities, his favorite 
was basketball. He graduated in 1927 
from Boone Grove High School with 
three other classmates. On Oct. 11, 
1931 he married Frances May Perrill. 
The 2nd child of Earl Doolin and Matil- 
da Ann Gathman Perrill. Frances had 
two sisters Ethel Irene, Fred G. and one 
brother Oliver Burton. 

Frances was born Jan. 13, 1907 at 
Shelbyville, Ind. She graduated from 
Wiley High School in 1924 and at- 
tended Indiana State Teachers College 
in Terre Haute, Ind. She came to Por- 
ter County to teach at the Boone Grove 
High School in 1930. 

They have three daughters Carolyn 
Ann, Juanita Diane and Sandra Louise. 
Carolyn was born March 29, 1935 and 
married Floyd Curtis Hood on May 3, 
1952, they have three children. Juanita 
was born Jan. 21, 1938 and married 
Dean Albert Houpt on Oct. 19, 1957, 
they have one son. Sandra was born 
Sept. 25, 1944 and married Robert 
Daniel Taylor on July 11, 1964, they 
have three children. 

They are members of the Boone 
Grove Christian Church. Maurice has 
been not only a farmer, but also, a 
salesman, carpenter, and he retired 
from Bethlehem Steel Corp.—Plant 
Protection. They now enjoy reading, 
travelling, rock collecting and geneolo- 


gy: 


Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Ludington 


133 


134 


JOHN B. LUNDBERG 


John B. Lundberg was born Jan. 
31, 1840 in Sweden and was one of 
seven children born to Charles and Eva 
C. Lundberg. When John Lundberg was 
twelve years old his father and step 
mother brought him to Chicago. They 
settled on the south side in an area 
called Cheltenham. He related having 
to carry water from Lake Michigan to 
his home every day, a distance of about 
eight city blocks. The hand wrought 
copper bucket used is still owned by 
his descendants. 


In 1866 Mr. Lundberg came to Ches- 
terton, formerly called Calumet. At 
that time the population was just over 
300. Most of the citizens were Irish. 
There were nineteen places where li- 
quor was sold. The Central House was 
the only hotel, having moved to Ches- 
terton from City West. 


John Lundberg had learned cabinet 
making in Chicago and began a furni- 
ture business. Along with this business 
he erected a turning factory and ex- 
pected to furnish turned work for the 
Chicago market. However after four 
years the buildings burned. He rebuilt 
them and in addition went into the 
broom handle business. He also bought 
land, cutting and shipping the timber. 

In 1875 he sold these interests and 
confined himself to ‘‘Furniture and Un- 
dertaking’’. In 1882 he built a brick 
front building just north of the Old 
Town Hall building. This structure with- 
stood the fire that razed more of the 
east side of of Calumet Road from the 
Livery Stable (now the Standard Oil 
Station) to the south wall of the Lund- 
berg building. 

Being a cabinet maker, Mr. Lund- 
berg designed and made to order the 
coffins used in the business. He owned 
three hearses, black, grey and white, 
all horsedrawn. Several of his horses 
were stabled at his home at 4th and 
Indiana and others were rented from 
the local livery stable. At funerals Mr. 
Lundberg wore a top hat and formal 
mourning attire. 

In some of the advertisements for 
the furniture business in 1898 he listed 
“Large stocks of carpets, window 
shades, sewing machines and supplies 
and urged the ladies to ‘‘remember his 
carpets and straw matting’”’. 

At holiday time he carried a stock 


of toys and delivered to homes in the 
area on Christmas eve. Mrs. Harring- 
ton, his granddaughter remembers 
being allowed to ride in the sleigh or 
wagon on those deliveries. Many fam- 
ilies in the Chesterton area still own 
furniture purchased from him, some of 
it made by him. Rose Bailey Howe was 
one of his customers. 


Mr. Lundberg belonged to the Chi- 
cago Swedish Society for the promo- 
tion of education, charity etc. He was 
a Mason having taken all of the Blue 
Lodge Degrees. He was Township 
Trustee for six years and Township As- 
sessor for four years. He was a Republi- 
can and later became a member of the 
National Party. 

The Swedish Methodist Church of 
Chesterton was organized January 26, 
1879. Their building was built in 1880 
at a cost of $600. At first there were 
twelve members, later growing to for- 
ty five. All of the members were Swe- 
dish with the exception of Mrs. John 
B. Lundberg. The first trustees of the 
Church were August Melin, August 
Peterson and John B. Lundberg. 


In the spring of 1871 Mr. Lundberg 
married Phoebe A. Hammond, a na- 
tive of New York. To this union two 
children were born, one dying in infan- 
cy, the other Eva Christine. Miss Lund- 
berg was active in the affairs of the 
community. She attended Northwest- 
ern School of Music and was an ac- 
complished musician. In 1902 Eva C. 
Lundberg married Hallard A. Flynn, a 
native of Rensselear, Indiana. Mr. Flynn 
became active in the business and after 
Mr. Lundberg’s death operated the firm 
‘Flynn Lundberg Co.”’ 


The Flynns were active in the Order 
of the Eastern Star, Mr. Flynn having 
served as Worthy Grand Patron of the 
State of Indiana. He was also active in 
the affairs of the Indiana Funeral Di- 
rector’s Association, serving as presi- 
dent of that organization for one term. 
He was an ardent, active Republican al- 
though he did support Teddy Roosevelt 
and the Bull Moose Party. 


Mr. and Mrs. Flynn had two children, 
lone and John Emerson. John E. for- 
merly of San Francisco is deceased. 
lone, now Mrs. Edwin D. Harrington, 
resides in Chesterton. Two great grand- 
children of John B. Lundberg also sur- 
vive, children of John E. Flynn, Mrs. 
Robert Bibler (Jaclyn) of Daytona 


Beach, Florida and John Foster Flynn 
of Phoenix, Arizona. 

Some of the historical data regard- 
ing John B. Lundberg was taken from 
“Counties Porter and Lake’’ published 
in 1882. A copy of this book with John 
B. Lundbergs signature on the fly leaf 
is now owned by lone Harrington. 


MARGIE ANN MAST 


| am Margie Ann Mast. | have one 
brother and one sister. My sister is 20 
and is a junior at Goshen College, she 
is studying to be a nurse. Her name is 
Donna Rae Mast. My brother is Lonnie 
Eugene Mast, he is a Sophomore at 
Kouts High School. He is fifteen years 
old. My mother is Dorothy Alice Mast. 
She is the daughter of Lela and Olen 
Reinhart. She was born at LaCrosse. 
When she was 1 year old they moved 
to a farm south of Kouts. She moved to 
Elkart where she met my father. My 
father’s name is Raymond J. Mast he 
is the son of Amanda and Joseph. He 
lived in Valparaiso all his life until he 
met my mother. He lived on a farm. My 
father was a carpenter and was going 
to go in partnership with my uncle, 
thats why he moved to Kouts. Now | 
will tell you about me. On December 
5, 1964 | was born in Porter Memorial 
Hospital. | am 10 years old and very 
happy to live in Kouts. | am almost sure 
that anyone is very pleased to live in 
Kouts, that lives in Kouts. 


EDWARD MAXWELL 


Edward Maxwell was born in 1840 
on a farm in LaPorte County, son of 
John and Dorinda Maxwell, who came 
to this country from Dublin, Irleand in 
1830. They later moved to a farm in 
Pleasant Twp. one and one-half mile 
north of Kouts, living with his family 
and farmed the home place. 

Later, he and his bride Mary Ann 
Robison resided on their own farm of 
120 acres also located in Pleasant 
Twp., his wife Mary Ann preceeded him 
in death in 1899 leaving a family of six 
children ranging from age fifteen to 
three years old, he keeping the family 
home together. 

We all attended the old Five Point 
School located just north-west of Kouts, 
later being destroyed by a tornado. As 
children | recall watching the first auto 


cars that were in this area and won- 
dering who was more frightened, our 
pet pony or us children. They sure 
were a Strange sight to all of us. 

Oscar Maxwell operated a Livery 
Stable, a Service Station and drove an 
Oil Truck and School Bus for many 
years in Kouts. He was president of 
the Kouts town board and when State 
Highway 49 was paved through Kouts 
Oscar-eut the ribbon opening the paved 
main street. Oscar also was the first 
to make a phone call when the dial 
system was connected. He passed away 
in 1973, leaving a daughter, Rose 
Kniefel, and a son, Cecil, both residing 
in Kouts. His family also consists of 
four grandchildren and four great- 
grandchildren. 

Burney Maxwell, the third son was a 
veteran of World War | and a charter 
member of Kouts American Legion 
Post 301. Burney served as Sheriff of 
Porter County Jan. 1, 1929 until Jan. 
1, 1933. He then lived on his farm in 
Pleasant Twpm., where he farmed for 
a number of years. Later moving into 
Kouts he served as plant guard at 
Kingsburg Ordinance Plant during 
World War Il. At the time of his death 
in 1969 he was Justice of Peace of 
Pleasant Twp. Burney Maxwell left one 
stepson, Howard Bailey of Hebron, four 
grandchildren and ten great-grandchil- 
dren. 

The oldest daughter of the Edward 
Maxwell family, Mabel Knoll, passed 
away in 1957 leaving one daughter, 
Rubie Oakley of Rensselaer, two grand- 
children and 5 great-grandchildren. 

Ovid Maxwell spent his entire life in 
and around Kouts working as a farm 
hand. He passed away in 1959. 

The youngest daughter, Maria Wei- 
berg, passed away in 1952 after living 
in the Kouts area many of her years. 
Left in this branch of the Maxwell fam- 
ily is one daughter, Doris Preden of 
Cedar Lake, and a son, Burney Wei- 
berg of Wisconsin, seven grandchildren 
and three great-grandchildren. 

Fanny Maxwell Vergin the only liv- 
ing member of this family was married 
to Harry Vergin, residing mostly in Por- 
ter Twp. on their farm. Mr. Vergin 
passed away in 1937. Mrs. Vergin has 
one son, Jerrold L. of Valparaiso, and 
one daughter, Vera Hough of Hebron, 
three grandchildren, Donald Vergin, 
Ronald Hough, and Bobbie Clinton, 
and 9 great-grandchildren. 


THE EDWARD P. AND LENNA 
(BOWERS) MAXWELL FAMILY 


The grandparents of Edward P. Max- 
well, John and Dorinda (Morrison) Max- 
well, came to La Porte County from 
Dublin, Ireland in 1837, and moved to 
Porter County in 1842, the first of six 
generations to live in Porter County. To 
this union were born eight children, 
seven of whom spent their entire lives 
as farmers in south Porter County. 

Arthur, the third child of this family, 
(born November 22, 1837—died May 
24, 1907) is the father of Edward P. 
Maxwell who married Mary Jane Baum 
of Morgan Township on March 26, 
1862. Both are buried in Adams Ceme- 
tery, Morgan Township. 

Edward Maxwell, born December 1, 
1876, and died April 7, 1950 was the 
eighth of ten children of Arthur and 
Mary Jane Maxwell. On March 31, 
1903, he married Lenna Bowers, also 
of Morgan Township. Their children 
are: 

Gladys, (Mrs. George Anderson) a 
retired school teacher who now lives in 
is Munster, Indiana and is the mother 
of Maxwell of Arlington Heights, Ill., 
Edward of Highland, Indiana, and Jane, 
(Mrs. James Carlson) of Valparaiso. 

Hazel, a retired nurse and former ad- 
ministrator of Porter Memorial Hospi- 
tal, married G. Warren Phillips of Val- 
paraiso in 1945, the father of George, 
Joan and Nancy. 

Marion, a son, was born October 21, 
1905 and died July 24, 1954. He spent 
his lifetime farming in Morgan Town- 
ship, and on May 20, 1933, married 
Alice Phillips of Porter Township who 
continues to reside in Valparaiso. Two 
sons and a daughter all live in Porter 
County; namely, 

Philip A. Maxwell, the eldest, is a 
graduate of Purdue University. On 
June 15, 1958 he married Jane Smoker 
of Wanatah; they reside three miles 
south east of Valparaiso. He is a farm- 
er, active in farm, Church and commun- 
ity organizations. In 1970 he was desig- 
nated as one of the Outstanding Farm- 
ers of the U.S.A. They are the parents 
of two daughters, Cheri and Debra, and 
a son, Mark. 

Mary Alice (Maxwell) Dolhover, is a 
graduate of Ball State University, and a 
former teacher in the Valparaiso and 
Porter Township schools. She married 


Richard Dolhover on December 22, 
1963, and they live on the Dolhover 
farm in Porter Township where Dick 
combines farming with work at Midwest 
Steel. They have a son, Michael, and a 
daughter, Sue Ann. 

John Maxwell, the younger son, is a 
graduate of Purdue University. On De- 
cember 17, 1966, he married Darlene 
Birky of Pleasant Township. In 1968 
they purchased the farm of his grand- 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Phillips 
of Porter Township, a farm which was 
formerly owned by his great-grandfath- 
er. John and Darlene are the parents 
of Matthew and Andrew. John is active 
in farm, Church, and community af- 
fairs. 

All three families have been active 
in the support of the First Christian 
Church. 


DR. AND MRS. LAWRENCE T. 
MCAFEE 


Dr. Lawrence T. McAfee and his wife 
Patricia Lynn Helper McAfee are proud 
to be numbered among the citizens of 
Valparaiso. They particularly like the 
friendly atmosphere, the way that most 
people welcome the ‘‘first name basis’’ 
relationships. They are also pleased 
with the open areas where it is common 
to tend gardens and keep pets. Each 
year the smooth operation of the Porter 
County Fair reaffirms their confidence 
in the county-wide cooperation that 
typifies all residents of Porter County. 

Lawrence T. McAfee is one of six 
children born to Dr. and Mrs. J. T. 
McAfee in Valparaiso. He attended 
grade school here and graduated from 
Valparaiso High School. After six 
years to secure his D.V.M. at Purdue 
University, he set up a practice in Flor- 
ida. After a year there he spent two 
years practicing in San Diego, Califor- 
nia, before returning to Valparaiso in 
July 1975 to work in partnership with 
his father. 

Patricia Lynn is a Gary Andrean High 
School graduate. Her BS and MS at 
Purdue University qualify her as a pro- 
fessional speech pathologist. The Mc- 
Afees are members of the Trinity Luth- 
eran Church. 


135 


136 


JOHN AND MARY (CLIFFORD) 
MCAULIFFE 


John and Mary (Clifford) McAuliffe 
were married in Union Township. To 
this union twelve (12) children were 
born. There were six boys and six girls. 
Some of these children stayed in Union 
Township to farm, while the others 
moved away. 

Florence McAuliffe, one of those who 
stayed, married Katharine Cronican, a 
schoolteacher in 1890. Six children 
were born to Katharine and Florence. Of 
these, Paul, William, and Katharine are 
now deceased. The others, Leo, of Val- 
paraiso; Frank, of Union Township; 
and Mary (McNamara), of South Dako- 
ta, are still living. 

Frank has one daughter, Jeanne, and 
four grandchildren. Jeanne and her 
grandchildren. Jeanne and her family 
make their home in Valparaiso. 


William had one son, Donald, a 1963 
graduate of Wheeler High School. Don- 
ald’s son, Stephen, a fourth generation 
of McAuliffes, presently attends Union 
Center Elementary School. 


The Cronican farm, located on U.S. 
30, is now a part of the beautiful and 
scenic Shorewood Forest. 


During the construction of U.S. High- 
way 30 back in 1939, sections of the 
McAuliffe farm had to be appropriated 
for this use. 


Through the years the McAuliffe 
families have been parishioners of St. 
Paul Catholic Church. 

Submitted by Viola McAuliffe 


MCGILL 


Charles Archibald McGill, second son 
of Robert McGill, was born near Sae- 
gerstown, Pennsylvania, June, 1829. 
He was married to Mary F. Brownell at 
Hebron, Indiana in June, 1863. They 
have two children, a daughter, and a 
son James Henry McGill (November 
13, 1969) James Henry McGill died 
April 26, 1948. 


James H. McGill was married to Fan- 
ny Skinner (11/25/74) on November 
25, 1897. They had five children, 
Charles S. (August 28, 1898), Rachel 
A. (May 23, 1900), Robert A. (Novem- 
ber 21, 1903), Marjorie (March 30, 
1907) and Mary Alice (November 19, 
1913). 


Charles S. McGill was married to 
Mary A. Crosby, daughter of Cora Belle 
Field (1874) and Garland Vanness 
Crosby on August 15, 1922. They had 
two children, Mary Margaret (October 
10, 1923) and James C. (May 8, 
1928). Mary Margaret (Molly) was mar- 
ried to Stanley G. Christian October 7, 
1944. They had two children, Charles 
J. (March 30, 1946) and Susan Mary 
(November 18, 1948). Charles J. was 
married to Kathleen Haney April 22, 
1972. They have one daughter, Kara 
Gillian Christian, born July 25, 1975. 
Susan Mary Christian was married to 
Albert N. Steele, Jr. October 5, 1974. 

James C. McGill was married to Jo- 
hanna Bauer November 28, 1951. They 
have three children, Margaret Crosby 
McGill (August 14, 1953), Catherine 
Bauer McGill (April 26, 1955) and 
Charles Walter McGill (May 10, 1958). 

McGill Manufacturing Company, Inc. 
was founded near the turn of the cen- 
tury by the late James H. McGill in Chi- 
cago and moved to Valparaiso in 1905. 
The original name was The Crescent 
Company. The first products were es- 
sentials of the growing electrical in- 
dustry such as lamp bulb guards, cord 
spools, drop cord adjusters, socket han- 
dles, baby gasoline torches, coloring 
fluid for bulbs, etc. The well-known line 
of Levolier switches was developed in 
1918 along with the beginning of what 
is now the most complete line of qual- 
ity stationary and portable lamp guards 
on the market today. 

In the 1920’s the McGill Metal Com- 
pany was formed and made cast bronze 
precision ball retainers for ball bear- 
ings. In 1925 the Bearing Division was 
added to the company. From this begin- 


ning, came such well known trade 
name bearings such as MULTIROL, 
GUIDEROL, CAGEROL, SPHERE-ROL 
and NYLA-K. 


The Electrical Division has expanded 
its product line with the addition of tog- 
gle, snap-action, rocker and push but- 
ton switches as well as lamp guards, 
sockets, cord reels, bench lights and 
lamp changers. Recently McGill in- 
vaded the original equipment market, 
putting switches on a multitude of high- 
ly respected electrical products, in- 
cluding washers, dryers, ovens, fans, 
power tools, blenders, etc. 

Since its beginning in 1905, the Mc- 


Gill Company has grown steadily. To- 
day almost 1300 people in the Valpa- 
raiso, Culver and Monticello, Indiana 
areas take part in the production of Mc- 
Gill bearings and electrical products in 
four modern well-equipped _ plants. 
Combined sales of both Electrical and 
Bearing Divisions are over $40 million. 

Like his father, for many years 
Charles S. McGill headed up the opera- 
tions of the company. In February, 
1976, he retired as Chairman of the 
Board and Chief Executive Officer and 
was succeeded by his son, James C. 
McGill. At the present time,-Charles S. 
McGill is Chairman of the Executive 
Committe of the company. 


ROBERT S. MCGINLEY 


Robert S. McGinley, resident of Heb- 
ron, Boone Township, was born in Por- 
ter County Indiana in 1901. His par- 
ents the Robert L. McGinley’s resided 
in Union Township. Robert L.’s parents 
migrated to Indiana from Knox County, 
Ohio. 

Robert S. McGinley grew to manhood 
in rural Porter Township, residing on a 
farm near Hurlburt. Robert has seen 
and been a part of the historical 
changes of Porter County. He served 
his country in World War | in Overseas 
Battalion A-73 Artillery. In May, 1923 
he was married to Ruth Pauline Max- 
well, (now deceased) whose parents 
were Mr. and Mrs. Lenzo Maxwell, res- 
idents of Porter Township. To them 
were born three daughters who grew to 
adulthood and married local citizens. 
They presently live in local commun- 
ities. Their names are, Geraldine (Mrs. 
Theodore Weiss) of Valparaiso, Betty 


ar 


(Mrs. Leslie Williams) of Valparaiso, 
and Carol (Mrs. Arthur L. Lageveen) of 
De Motte. 

Mr. McGinley holds membership in 
Masonic Lodge 502 of Hebron and 
served as Master in 1944. He presently 
is a member of the Hebron United 
Methodist Church. 

On November 24, 1935, Mr. McGin- 
ley began employment at Citizens Bank 
of Hebron and has continued through 
the years to hold the office of Presi- 
dent (1974-75). The Citizens Bank 
merged with the First National Bank of 
Valparaiso in 1975 after serving the 
Hebron community for a period of 85 
years. During his time with the Citi- 
zens Bank a new building, the present 
one, was completed and an Open House 
was held on May 20, 1956. In Septem- 
ber 1964 the bank observed its 75th 
year of continuous service to the com- 
munity. with an open house. 


Mr. McGinley is presently active in 
community affairs and serving his bus- 
iness establishment for the betterment 
of a growing Porter County. 


CHARLES MCMURTRY 


Charles McMurtry came to Porter 
County in 1929 when he married Leola 
Bickel, daughter of John Bickel and 
Ava (Campbell) Bickel. The Bickel and 
Campbell families were among the early 
settlers of Porter County. 

Charles and Leola were both gradu- 
ates of DePauw University, and both 
taught at Boone Grove during the 1929- 
30 school year. In 1930 they moved to 
Kouts where they resided for 21 years. 
During these years Charles was teach- 
er and principal in the Kouts School. 
He later was elementary supervisor in 
the Portage Township Schools and the 
Porter County Schools and succeeded 
M. E. Dinsmoore as County School Su- 
perintendent (1962-69). 

Myrna McMurtry, eldest daughter of 
Charles and Leola, graduated from 
Kouts high school, received her B. S. 
and M. S. degrees from Indiana Uni- 
versity, taught in LaPorte and Valpa- 
raiso Community Schools and at pres- 
ent (1975) is elementary reading con- 
sultant for the Valparaiso Community 
Schools. 

Janet (McMurtry) Webber also re- 
ceived her B.S. and M.S. degrees from 
Indiana University, taught school in 


Hobart. She married Bruce Webber. 
They presently live in Hobart and have 
two daughters, Karen and Laura. 


Martha (McMurtry) Christina gradu- 
ated from Indiana University and mar- 
ried John Christina, professor of Span- 
ish at Brown University and then Bos- 
ton University. They presently live in 
Bristol, Rhode Island and have two 
daughters, Rachel and Margot. 

Submitted by Myrna McMurtry 


HARRY B. MILLER FAMILY 


Submitted by: Dale Edwin & Jacquelyn 
Marie (Miller) Sterling and children, 
Cynthia Marie & Dale Edwin, Jr. (Skip) 

Harry B. Miller, born in Lynchburg, 
Virginia, December 3, 1902, and Marie 
Anne (Carroll) Miller, born in Chicago, 
Illinois, September 17, 1913, moved 
from the Robertsdale section of Ham- 
mond, Indiana, to a 55 acre farm in 
Jackson Township in 1935. The farm 
was located on the present Road 400 
East at the Baltimore Railroad and 
said location was called Stell’s Cross- 
ing: a milk station. The house was a 
two story log cabin with dining room 
and kitchen added on. There being no 
electrical power in the whole of Jack- 
son Twp. At that time, they purchased 
an electric wind charging system and 
all equipment in the home to meet the 
voltage of the charging unit. 

The Millers including daughters, 
Jeanne and Carole moved the next year 
to Liberty Twp. Namely 14 mile east of 
Babcock Road on U.S. Highway # 6 
(Dalys Grove) later changing the name 
to Wayside Park. They built cottages for 
tourists, a sandwich shop and service 
station, at that time it was a show place 
of beauty. It was here that their third 
daughter, Jackie, was born. In 1940 
“‘The Miller Clan’’ purchased and built 
a home and business about 1 mile east 
of Wayside Park on the south side of 
Highway 6. A tornado came along to 
completely demolish every building ex- 
cept a steel building where everyone 
was huddled inside. They gradually re- 
built all buildings as they stand today. 
In 1947 brother Mic came along. Our 
Jon, who is now a student at Valparaiso 
University, was born in 1957. 

Harry was Republican Precinct Com- 
mitteeman of Precinct | for many years. 
He also served as Justice of the Peace 
for 8 years. He was organizer and 


founder of the Liberty Twp. Volunteer 
Fire Department and was elected presi- 
dent and served two terms. He was also 
Fire Inspector for three terms. 


The Miller family has been very ac- 
tive in Masonic organizations. Harry 
again was the organizer of Valparaiso 
Bethel #54, International Order of Jobs 
Daughters and was their first associate 
guardian. He also organized the Ches- 
terton Bethel 80 in this area, and many 
others in surrounding northwest Indi- 
ana. Jeanne, Carole, and Jackie are all 
past honored queens of Bethel #54. 
Jeanne and Jackie have both served as 
worthy matron for Chesterton Chapter 
#274 Order of the Eastern Star, with 
their father serving as their worthy pa- 
tron. 


The other Masonic affiliations are too 
numerous to mention. All of the Miller 
children attended and graduated from 
the Liberty Township High School. 

Mother, Marie Anne, is a direct des- 
cendant of Charles Carroll of Carroll- 
ton, signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. 


THE MILLERS 


The Millers—Sterling, Barbara, 
Beth, and Amy moved to Valparaiso in 
1966 from Miller (Gary). The area 
promised a good atmosphere in which 
to live, and Sterling had accepted a 
position with Bethlehem Steel Com- 
pany. Barbara returned to teaching for 
the Porter County Schools—Washing- 
ton Township—in 1974. The girls at- 
tend Cooks Corners School and all are 
active in the First Presbyterian Church. 

Submitted by Sterling G. Miller 


137 


138 


MOORE FAMILY 


Rachael Ruth Moore, daughter of 
Sidney S. and Myrtle Kewley Moore, 
came to Valparaiso from Galva, Ill. in 
May 1936, married C. H. (Fred) Stahl. 
She has two children: Frederick Richard 
Stahl (father of Frederick Richard 2nd 
and Eric William) and Linda Diane Stahl 
(mother of Rebecca Ruth). Rachael is 
a member of William Henry Harrison 
Chapter of Daughters of the American 
Revolution, Order of Eastern Star, Val- 
paraiso Womans Club and_ formerly 
United Methodist Church. She married 
Gordon Bender Goetz of Washington 
Township in April 1969. They reside on 
the farm founded by Gottlieb and Eliza- 
beth Goetz (Greatgrandparents) in 
1883. Gordon is the son of the late Leo 
J. and Mina Bender Goetz, member of 
Farm Bureau, President of Board of 
Wanatah Mercantile Co., Valparaiso 
Moose Lodge, Volunteer Fireman, Sa- 
lem United Church of Christ. He has a 
son, Kenneth Ray (father of Steven 
Ray). 

Myrtle K. Moore and daughter Har- 
riet Ann Moore came to Valparaiso 
from Lakeland, Fla. in 1969 when Mr. 
Moore passed away. Myrtle is a 68 
year member of Rebekah Lodge and 
Past Noble Grand. She was born the 
daughter of Edward and Edith (Clucas) 
Kewley, Galva, Ill. Feb. 1890. 

Submitted by Rachael M. Goetz 


FRANK MULLIN FAMILY 


Frank and Virginia Mullin and their 
four year old daughter, Sara, have re- 
sided at 601 Washington St., Valparaiso 
for four years. Their previous home was 
Chicago, although Mr. Mullin grew up 
in Ogden Dunes. Virginia, nee Conley, 
is a native of Morris, Illinois. 


Frank graduated from Portage High 


School and the University of Colorado, 
Boulder, where he was a member of 
Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He currently 
is a board member of the Northwest In- 
diana Symphony and is a member of 
the Gary University Club. He is a stock- 
broker with A. G. Edwards and Sons, 
Merrillville. 


Originally from Rushville, Indiana, 
Betty Mullin, Frank’s Mother, has lived 
in Ogden Dunes since 1941. She is ac- 
tive in music, PEO, and the Ogden 
Dunes Community Church. There are 8 
Mullin grandchildren, 7 of them on the 
West Coast, since her other two sons, 
Mark and Bob, reside in California. 


Proud to be a 5th generation Hoos- 
ier, Frank enjoys past family history 
found in Rushville. The last 4 genera- 
tions, including Frank Sr., are buried 
there. 


Virginia is a graduate of Lake Forest 
College, Lake Forest, Illinois, and the 
Goethe Institute, Kochel, Germany. She 
trained with a brokerage firm in Chi- 
cago, where she met Frank. Currently 
finishing graduate work at Valparaiso 
University, she has taught piano in the 
University’s Preparatory Department. 
Other activities include Kappa, Kappa, 
Kappa sorority and involvement as a 
board member of the Community Con- 
cert Association. 


The Mullins are also members of the 
First Presbyterian Church and Valpa- 
raiso Country Club. 


ED MYERS 


Ed Myers was born in Terre Haute, 
Ind. in 1906. After the accidental death 
of his parents in 1909, he was placed in 
an orphanage. At about the age of 
twelve Walter and Sarah Bond, his fos- 
ter parents, brought him to Valparaiso. 
He lived in Valparaiso until the depres- 
sion of 1929. During the depression he 
drifted aimlessly about, as many young 
men did, “riding the rails’’ from town 
to town searching for work. A few of the 
jobs he found included window-wash- 
ing in the Empire State Building in 
NYC, cooking in restaurants, and tun- 
neling through mountains in Denver, 
Colorado. 

Tired of traveling, he returned to 
Valparaiso to settle down. He went to 
work on the W.P.A. until the beginning 
of W. W. II. During the war he worked 
at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant driv- 


Ed Myers Family 


ing truck. In his spare time he gathered 
junk cars and scrap metal for recycling, 
as part of the vital war effort on the 
home front. 

After the war ended he decided to go 
into general business for himself. 
Some of his ventures included a gar- 
bage route in the Flint Lake area, haul- 
ing stone for the Edgewater Beach Sub- 
division roads, digging ditches and in- 
stalling water lines for the original Flint 
Lake Water Co. which, at the time, was 
under the ownership of William Frazier. 
He also did concrete and landscaping 
work and occasionally raized old build- 
ings, one of which was the old city bus 
barn, now the site of Lowenstine’s park- 
ing lot. 

In 1961, wanting a slower pace, he 
gave up his business ventures and be- 
came the custodian of the old city dump 
west on 130 (Highway) until its closing 
in 1969. He continued to work for the 
city in the paint crew, painting school 
crosswalks and street curbs until his 
retirement in 1972. 

Ed was a very warm-hearted indivi- 
dual whose home was always open to 
anyone. He and his wife Alta (usually 
pronounced Al-Dee) were the 
“adopted’’ parents of many a person 
and were often lovingly called the ‘‘Ma 
and Pa Kettle’s’’ of Valparaiso. 

Ed’s favorite pastimes were fishing, 
card playing, and story telling. Being an 
avid fisherman, he was a well-known 
‘figure’ on Flint Lake, seemingly able 
to catch fish when no one else could. 

During the winter months his pas- 
times turned to card playing and story 


telling. Friends never tired of sitting 
around his kitchen table playing cards 


or just hearing him reminisce of his 
‘‘sood old days’’. 

Ed resided at 2107 Calumet Ave. for 
31 years until his death in March of 
1973. He left behind his wife, Alta, 
five sons, six daughters, and thirteen 
grandchildren. 


JOHN F. MURRAY 


The John F. Murray family of 303 E. 
Indiana Ave., Kouts. He was born Aug. 
1, 1932 in Gasport, N.Y. to Elmer F. 
and Lydia Ann (Hooley) Murray. On 
June 6, 1958 he married Marilyn Stauf- 
fer who was born May 18, 1938 in Mil- 
ford, Nebr. a daughter of Uriah and Ed- 
na (Troyer) Stauffer, now also of Kouts. 
The Murray’s have two children, Kath- 
leen Karen burn July 27, 1959 in Go- 
shen, Ind. and John Charles born June 
13, 1961 in Valparaiso, Ind. All are 
members of the Hopewell Mennonite 
Church of Kouts of which John F. Mur- 
ray has been serving as Assistant Pas- 
tor since April, 1961. In 1960 Mr. Mur- 
ray received a B.A. degree from Goshen 
College and an M.A. degree from Val- 
paraiso University in 1967. Since Sept., 
1960 he has been teaching Spanish 
and Social Studies at Kouts High 
School. 


DEBBIE NASH 


My name is Debbie Nash. | am elev- 
en years old. | have a little sister named 
Laura. Laura is nine years old and she 
goes to Kouts School like | do. My par- 
ents’ names are Bob and Jean Nash. 
My dad works at Bethlehem Steel. My 
mother helps out with Girl Scouts. We 
moved to Pleasant Township four years 
ago. We now own our own home with 
enough room that someday we may be 
able to have a horse. 


CHARLES A. NELSON FAMILY 


Charles A. and Anna Nelson immi- 
grated from Sweden in 1881, to the rur- 
al Hobart area. Their daughter Hedvig 
was about a year old at that time. A 
daughter Ella was born in 1882 and a 
son Carl C. was born in 1884. In the 
early 1900’s they bought a farm in 
Westchester Township from the Boo 
Family. It was on Road 300 W., at a 
curve in the road, near a School House. 


As | remember, it must have been quite 
close to the Bailey homestead. 

Dec. 3, 1903, daughter Hedvig was 
married to Rev. M. J. Lonner, pastor of 
Augsburg Lutheran Church of Porter. 
On Oct. 16, 1905 a son, Alvar, was 
born in the old parsonage in Porter. 
Alvar is married to Velma Hooseline 
and they reside in Hobart. Rev. Lonner 
is buried in the Augsburg Church Cem- 
etery. 

Daughter Ella was married to Axel R. 
(Coxey) Carlson of Hobart. They did not 
have any children. ‘Coxey’ would be 
remembered by many Wheeler and Cris- 
man area Old-timers, as he delivered 
meats for the Gruel Meat Market. 

Son Carl C. was married to Hilda Lar- 
son of Hobart. They were the parents of 
Ruth (Mrs. Arnold Claussen, Hebron), 
who still live on a small farm in Porter 
Township. Elinor, (Mrs. Francis Green- 
er, Hobart), who is the owner of ‘Eli- 
nor’s’ in Valparaiso. Carl and Hilda 
were also the parents of a son, Dr. C. 
Arthur Nelson, who was a resident of 
Valparaiso at the time of his death in 
1974. 

Submitted by Ruth Nelson 


CHARLES NICKEL SR. FAMILY 


The Nickel family traces its ancestry 
to eastern Germany where Karl 
(Charles) Nickel was born August 26, 
1848 in Neudeck near the ancestral 
home of Von Hindenburg, German Ar- 
my Chief of World War I. He was in- 
ducted into service during the Franco- 
Prussian War. Being a tailor, he was 
assigned the task of making the uni- 
forms for the army. 

Having been honorably discharged 
he set out for America arriving at Cas- 
tle Garden, New York in the Fall of 
1872. From there he went to Chicago 
and secured work in a large tailoring 
concern. After a few years he establish- 
ed his own tailoring shop on the North 
Side of Chicago. 

On February 4, 1882 he was united 
in marriage to Louise Gutperlet who 
was born April 2, 1860 in Stargard, 
Germany. At the age of 12 she had emi- 
grated to this country with her parents, 
Johann and Maria Gutperlet who were 
born in Pomerania, both the same year, 
namely 1815. 

In January 1887 Karl Nickel sold his 
tailoring shop because of ill health and 
purchased ten acres in the south part 


of Chesterton. A log house stood on the 
property but was replaced by a cottage 
completed by July. Here were born 
three of the four children, Arthur E. 
having been born in Chicago on Febru- 
ary 7, 1883 and deceased July 9, 1959. 
Charles J. was born July 24, 1887, Lil- 
lian L. January 29, 1893 and Elsie A. 
August 29, 1895. 


Arthur attended Valparaiso College 
and became a pharmacist pursuing that 
profession over 50 years; the greater 
share of the time in Chesterton. On 
January 8, 1905 he married Miss 
Amanda Graubman. 


Charles was employed by several lo- 
cal hardware dealers who dug wells for 
the townspeople as well as the farmers 
in the community. He entered the New 
York Trade School in 1906 and became 
Chesterton’s first school trained plumb- 
er. Later he opened a plumbing and 
heating shop. 

On October 5, 1910 he was married 
to Miss Emma Harbrecht and to this 
union was born a son, Arthur, who grad- 
uated from Purdue with a BS degree 
and has been employed in the chemical 
laboratory of the metallurgical division 
of U.S. Steel, Gary Works, for 40 years. 
He married the former Avis Pillman 
and they have a daughter Lynda and a 
son Robert. 


On June 30, 1915 Lillian was mar- 
ried to Hans W. Vetter who served the 
community as a prominent painter and 
decorator for many years. They have 
one daughter, Gretchen, who married 
Dumont Loomis May 20, 1951. To this 
union were born two daughters, Chery! 
and Debra. 


Lillian Nickel Vetter taught for sev- 
eral years in the Westchester Township 
schools and is the author of two books, 
“A Nickel’s Worth” and ‘‘A Nickel’s 
Worth and More’’. Both deal with the 
family history and also contain bits of 
early history of the town and vivid de- 
scriptions of town characters. 


Elsie entered the teaching profession 
in 1914. Her first school was at City 
West which meant walking 7 miles a 
day and receiving $42 per month. After 
serving three years in country schools 
she began teaching Third Grade in 
Chesterton, retiring after 40 years. 


Both Lillian and Elsie have resided 
their entire lives on the plot of ground 
on which they were born. 


139 


140 


NIEQUIST FAMILY 


MAYNARD O.—Sylvan Manor, Valpo, 
employed as Chief Engineer for Gary 
Mercy Hospital 

ANNE RUTH (wife—employed as 
English teacher at Chesterton H.-S.) 

PAMELA (daughter)—employed in 
News Dept., WAKE 

NANCY (daughter—in Soph. year at 
Indiana Uinversity) 

MARILYN NIEQUIST, 1011 Elmhurst, 
Valpo, Chief Probation Officer for Por- 
ter County 

LAVERGNE NIEQUIST, Villa Park, III., 
Editor, Laidlaw Publishing Company 

MAYNARD G. AND ANNA, parents, 
now deceased. 

The Niequist family came to Valpa- 
raiso in 1936 when Maynard G. was 
transferred here by the Continental Dia- 
mond Fibre Co. from Chicago, Illinois. 
He worked at that company in the ca- 
pacity of shipping foreman until his re- 
tirement. Maynard O., LaVergne and 
Marilyn attended Valparaiso schools 
and were graduated from Valparaiso 
High School. 

Maynard O. married Anne Ruth 
Franklin whom he met while they were 
attending Valparaiso University. Anne 
came to this area from Covington, Ky. 
Two daughters, Pamela and Nancy, 
were born to this union. 

Maynard O. served Valparaiso in the 
capacity of City Council Representative 
and on the Planning Commission from 
1959 till 1962. His wife, Anne, served 
as a member of the Planning Commis- 
sion and Board of Zoning Appeals in 
1956 and 57 and as a member of the 
School Board from 1957 till 1961. 

Submitted by Marilyn J. Niequist 


THE JOHN D. AND FAYE E. 
NOAK FAMILY 


John David Noak, Wheeler, and Faye 
Eloise Phillips, Hobart, were married 
in the Lutheran Church parsonage at 
Valparaiso, April, 1934. They moved 
from Hobart to Wheeler, Union Town- 
ship in 1950. 

Mr. Noak, born in Chicago, lived in 
Gary, Washington Township, Hobart 
and Wheeler. He was employed at U.S. 
Steel as a roll grinder in the sheet mill 
and retired in 1973, after 41 years ser- 
vice. Mr. Noak’s parents were Gustaf 


and Mary (Strakis) Noak. They immi- 
grated to Chicago from Germany and 
Lithuania, later moving to the Wheeler 
farm. He also was employed at U.S. 
Steel. 

Mrs. Noak’s parents were Albert S. 
and Grace (Norton) Phillips. Originally 
from Orchard Grove, Lowell and LeRoy, 
they settled in Hobart where Mr. Phil- 
lips, a pharmacist, owned a drug store 
(Phillips and Byall) for 45 years. They 
were active in community and church 
affairs, both holding state offices in 
the Order of Eastern Star. Mr. Phillips 
served on the committee that planned 
the Methodist Church in Hobart. 

Seven children were born to John 
and Faye Noak. All were educated in the 
Union Township schools and some went 
on to various universities. All are active 
in church, civic, and athletic affairs of 
their communities. 

John Phillips Noak and wife Donna 
reside in Jackson Township, Westville. 
They have six children, John, Laura, 
Jeffrey, Lisa, Lynne, and Leaun. He is 
in the insurance business. 

Valayda and husband Roger Nibert, 
reside in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He 
is an organic chemist. Their children 
are David, Leisa and Holly. 

Mary and husband Ronald Spruiten- 
burg, who is a carpenter with Suburban 
Homes, reside in Washington Township, 
Valparaiso. Their children are Scott and 
Susan. 

Martha and husband Ralph E. Ches- 
ter Il reside in Racine, Wisconsin where 
he is an orthodontist technician. They 
have Ralph Ill and Gregory. 

Georgia and husband Kenneth Bar- 
nett, who owns the Barnett Painting 
and Decorating Co., reside in Washing- 
ton Township, Valparaiso. Their chil- 
dren are Amy, Kenneth, and Jane. 

David and wife Michele reside in Val- 
paraiso. Employed at Bethlehem Steel 
Co., they have Harry and Jennifer. 

Thomas is Assistant Manager at the 
Valparaiso store of Harveys. He resides 
at R.R. #2, Hobart. 

Advertisements in the possession of 
the writer shows that in 1913 chocolate 
candy sold for 29¢ a lb. and in 1975 
it was $3.00 a Ib. Veal shoulder roast 
was 17¢ a |b. in 1936 as compared to 
$2.75 a lb. in 1975. Comparable rents 
were $8.00 a month for a bungalow in 
Hobart in 1936 and in 1975 a Washing- 
ton Township house rented for $325.00 
a month. 


Interesting also to the writer is the 
change that came about all over the 
country when people moved out from 
inner cities and businesses followed to 
the rural areas, building complexes of 
stores, called Malls. The country sides 
were dotted with new homes and cre- 
ated the need for more schools. 


Washers, dryers, color T.V.’s, dish- 
washers, organs, combines, freezers 
and cars are indeed a way of life and 
no longer considered luxuries and with 
the time saving conveniences, people 
wondered where the time went. The 
good Lord’s world seemed to be get- 
ting smaller with each invention and 
discovery the past 200 years. 


MARTIN NOLAN 
(KNOWLAND) AND BRIDGET 
SUMMERS 


Martin Nolan (Knowland) and Brid- 
get Summers were both born in Kil- 
dere County, Ireland in 1842. They 
were married in Plunkerton, Ireland 
March 5, 1864 and immigrated to 
America April 1, 1864. They came here 
on their wedding trip. The ocean was so 
rough and it took six weeks in a sail 
boat so she would not make the trip 
back. After some time in New York 
she said they must have been guided 
to the Pat Wallace farm in Kouts. 


They knocked on the door and when 
Mrs. Wallace saw some one from Ire- 
land she was so happy and said ‘‘l 
don’t know who you are but you are as 
welcome as the flowers in May.” 
(1864) They heard they were building 
the Pennsylvania railroad so they came 
to Hebron and built a house. He started 
to work on the railroad and there they 
lived and raised their family of nine 
children. 


The Wallace family came to Hebron 
to visit the Nolan family often, as they 
were the ones who had the horses and 
wagon or bob sled, which ever was to 
be used and they had to stay a couple 
days. They would visit the neighbors 
Conners who had one daughter and the 
Ryans who had a big family. Not many 
people lived around there so these fam- 
ilies were very close. Now in 1975 their 
youngest granddaughter and myself 
still exchange Christmas cards. I re- 
member my grandmother coming home 
from Brown’s store and saying, ‘I think 
| saw a crazy man he talked to a box 
on the wall but no one said anything to 


him’’. My uncle said Mother that was 
one of the new fangled telephones. | 
spent many years with my grandmother 
as | was brought there after my fath- 
er’s death, 1895. Jacob Romine, he was 
a barber in Chesterton in partnership 
with Mr. Way. At that time his uncle, 
Douglas McCan, owned the livery stable 
next to the hotel in-Hebron. And in later 
years my grandmother rented the hotel 
and we were living there when she died, 
January 10, 1910. 

At first, the Catholic families be- 
longed to the Valparaiso Parish and 
later to the Crown Point Parish. Father 
Guetoff was pastor at that time and 
would come to Hebron once each 
month to say mass for us at the Mike 
Ryan home. There were about six cath- 
olic families at that time. He would 
come on the train at 6:30 P.M., hear 
our confessions and catechism in the 
evening, have Mass early in the morn- 
ing so he could take the 8:00 train back 
to Crown Point. 

When it was time for us to make our 
first Holy Communion, Fr. Guetoff had 
Bernice Griffin and Summers Plummer 
and myself come to Crown Point and 
stay at the rectory for six weeks to go 
to the Catholic School. 

The mass at Ryans was only once a 
month but it was a Holy day to them. 
My grandmother stayed dressed up all 
day in her good dress and long white 
apron (I still have one) and did only 
what work was necessary. She died May 
5, 1910 and grandfather died August 
10, 1891. 


The names of the nine children are 
John, who married Katharine Ryan, 
Elizabeth and Jacob Romine, James 
and Winona Frazier, Mary and Otto 
Wharton, William and Della Frye, Kath- 
erine and Herschel Edmonds, Helen 
and Dr. Roscoe Blood and the two 
others were Martin and Rose. 

There are eight of the grandchildren 
living. Mayme, Helen, Gertrude, and 
Thomas, family of John Nolan in Heb- 
ran. Elizabeth (Beth) Regan daughter of 
William Nolan.in Hebron. Mary Hamann 
and Margaret Nolan, daughters of 
James Nolan in Newark, Delaware and 
Blanche Mayer, daughter of Elizabeth 
Nolan Romine in Valparaiso. 


There are 15 of the Great Grandchil- 
dren living. 


HAROLD D. NORRIS FAMILY 


Harold was born in Hebron, Indiana 
in 1920. He has lived here all his life. 
His family on his mother’s side moved 
to Hebron from Medaryville. His Grand- 
father Richardson had a harness and 
hardware shop on Main St. for a num- 
ber of years. 

His father’s folks were from around 
Gas City and the Marion area. His 
Grandfather D. J. Norris was a black- 
smith and moved around a lot. 

His Mother, Cora Richardson Norris 
worked at John De Kock’s grocery store 
on Main St. for about eleven years. His 
father Alonzo, was the caretaker of the 
Hebron Cemetery for a long time. 

Harold spent almost three years in 
the Army Air Corps. 

On Aug. 8th, 1942 he married Le- 
nore Martensen. Lenore was korn in 
Bedford Park, Illinois and moved to 
Hebron in 1939. Her father, Chris Mar- 
tensen had worked around Hebron in 
1918 and again in 1936 for a short 
period of one year. While here he 
played the part of Father Marquette in 
the Porter County Centennial Pageant. 
Her mother Mabel is still living in Sum- 
mit, Illinois. She is affectionately known 
as ‘Grandma Marty”’. 


Harold and Lenore have five chil- 
dren. Richard, the eldest, is married 
to Pam Smith of Valparaiso, and they 
live in Valparaiso. They have a daugh- 
ter, born on Dick’s birthday July 24, 
1972. Her name is Suzannah Lee. 


Terry, the second son, is married to 
Donna Largent and they live in Hebron. 


Rochelleis married to Dennis Miller 
of Kouts. They have a daughter Amy 
Diana. She was born Feb. 4, 1973. They 
live in La Crosse, Indiana. 


Scott, a graduate of Hebron High 
School in 1974, is now employed at 
Patz’s Supermarket in Hebron. 


Ken is a Senior in the Hebron High 
School and he is an “‘original’’ in the 
“Stars and Stripers’’ singing group 
formed to entertain at Bicentennial af- 
fairs. He is living at home. 

Harold is a rural mail carrier, active 
in American Legion, and Lenore is ac- 
tive in American Legion Auxiliary, Bi- 
centennial Committee and Red Cross. 

Submitted by L. Norris 


OLDHAM FAMILY 


Canadian by birth, John M. Oldham 
came to Valparaiso in 1912 and spent 
the remaining 33 years of his life en- 
riching the civic, business, and cultur- 
al life of the city. 

Coming from Duluth, Minn., with his 
wife, Vina Hood Oldham, John purchas- 
ed the large home of Mr. and Mrs. Or- 
ville H. Powers at 415 Madison, along 
with 25 acres of surrounding land. The 
house is now the residence of Dr. Rob- 
ert M. Stoltz. 

Keeping a spacious sloping lawn, an 
orchard, and a rose garden around the 
main house, Oldham developed the re- 
maining acreage into a comfortable 
residential area of one-family homes 
and tree-lined streets. 

Oldham was a member of the first 
Valparaiso Zoning Commission and 
served as its chairman until a few years 
before his death Feb. 11, 1945. 

During both the First and Second 
World Wars he headed the Porter Coun- 
ty unit of the American Red Cross. 

Shortly after coming to Valparaiso, 
Oldham joined the Saturday Evening 
Club, a group of distinguished men in 
the city who held semi-weekly meetings 
featuring presentation of a serious pa- 
per followed by spirited discussion. Old- 
ham served as president of the club 
during the last nine years of his life. 
Oldham joined the Mathesis Club, a 
discussion group of men and women, 
in 1914 and was its president from 
1924 until his death. Both organiza- 
tions still function. 

A few days after Oldham’s death, the 
late Lee Ragsdale wrote a memorial 
editorial in The Vidette-Messenger in 
which he said, 

‘To those who knew him in public 
gathering, in club, in church or home, 
his quick and kindly humor was an en- 
joyable attribute. In repartee he had a 
ready tongue. His mind was stored with 
experience and anecdote, and in any 
group he was the saving spark against 
a dull time. 

‘‘He was profoundly moved by music 
and in his home he delighted to preside 
at the piano while friends joined him 
in song. He was a lover of literature 
and the variety of his quotations proved 
the range of his reading tastes. He was 
a keen student of current events and 
was ever able to take effective part in 
discussions of public affairs...” 


14] 


142 


Both Oldham and his wife were busy 
members of the First Presbyterian 
Church and he sang in the choir until 
his death. The Vina Hood Oldham 
Guild is still active in the church. Mrs. 
Oldham was also a Woman’s Club mem- 
ber until her death Dec. 21, 1932. 

John M. and Vina Hood Oldham were 
the parents of two sons, Howard and 
Kenneth, both of whom were reared 
and educated in Valparaiso. Howard 
now lives in Austin, Tex., while Kenneth 
and his wife, the former Dorothy Green 
of Washington Township, live in Cortez, 
Fla. 

Kenneth’s eldest daughter, Mrs. 
Janet Oldham Hanrahan, is still a Val- 
paraiso resident as are her children, 
Patricia and William Hanrahan. Another 
daughter, Mrs. Judy Oldham Ritten- 
house, lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. Both 
women grew up in Valparaiso. 

In 1914, the Oldhams added another 
branch of their family to the history of 
Valparaiso when they brought John’s 
sister, Jessie Oldham McCallum, and 
her ten-year-old son, Woodburn A. Mc- 
Callum to the city after the death of 
Jessie’s husband, Duncan McCollum, 
in Saskatoon, Sask., Canada. 

For many years an employee of 
Specht-Finney Company, Jessie was 
known for her talents as a pianist and 
vocalist. She died shortly after her 
brother—May 1, 1945. 

Woodburn was graduated from the 
Valparaiso University School of Law in 
1929 and entered private law practice 
briefly before becoming the Porter and 
LaPorte County representative for the 
Federal Land Bank of Louisville in 
1933. He held that position until his 
retirement in 1964. 

Like his uncle, Woodburn was a 
member of the Saturday Evening Club 
and on the First Presbyterian Church. 
He was also president of the Valparai- 
so Kiwanis Club in the late 1930s. 

Woodburn married Katherine Alpen 
of Valparaiso, Nov. 11, 1931. He died 
April 6, 1968, but she is still a resi- 
dent of the city (among her many ac- 
tivities is the Vina Hood Oldham Guild 
of which she is a charter member), as 
is their daughter, Mrs. Karl D. Hen- 
richs (Mary McCallum). Another daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Gene R. Duffin (Margaret Mc- 
Callum), and a grandson, Ryan G. Duf- 
fin, live in Goshen, Ind. Mary and Mar- 
garet were both born and reared in 
Valparaiso. 


THE OYER FAMILY 


My name is Chris Oyer. | am 10 
years old. Sandy is my sister. She is 
9. My mother’s name is Mary and my 
father’s name is Larry. 

We moved to Porter County after we 
lived in Lake County for two years. We 
like it here. 


HARRY L. AND MARY C. PAGE 


HARRY L. PAGE: Born in Connecticut 
(Sept. 26, 1895), son of physician 
father and author mother. Educated 
at the Hotchkiss Preparatory School 
and Yale University. Member of Phi Chi 
chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Baptized in 
and attended Episcopal Church, Litch- 
field, Connecticut. 

Course at Yale was interrupted by 
World War | wherein he served for the 
duration as a flying officer pilot and 
instructor. Was recipient of not only 
the traditional silver wing but, also, the 
sparsely issued ‘‘Gosport’’ instructor 
gold wing. Following the war, he en- 
gaged in extra-curricular studies and 
simultaneous practical training in heat 
exchange engineering. 

Moved to California and in 1937 be- 
came interested in how to give lasting 
Stability and retention to lower den- 
tures. Through the application of known 
laws in physics and hydrostatics, he 
evolved the impression principle that 
is now known the world over as ‘‘Muco- 
Statics.’’ With stable and retentive den- 
ture bases, he discovered there was 
much to be desired in their articulation. 
In 1950, he invented the ‘‘Transo- 
graph’’—an instrument designed to re- 
cord, copy and duplicate all movements 
of the human jaw and upon which not 
only natural teeth but also artificial 
teeth may be articulated and occluded 
for each individual patient. 

He is the author of a monograph and 
numerous articles on Mucostatics and 
nearly 30 of his articles on articulation 
and Transographics have been pub- 
lished, translated and reprinted in for- 
eign languages since 1951. He has 
been a guest lecturer and clinician be- 
fore scores of formal and informal dne- 
tal groups and dental faculties from 
Coast to Coast. 

Now retired, living at 104 Garfield 
Avenue with wife Mary Cowdrey Page 
whom he married in 1948. Member of 
Barracks No. 2106, Veterans of World 


War |. Enjoys golf, fishing and travel 
and continued research into dental 
problems. 


Great-greatgrandson of Capt. Daniel 
Page (Revolutionary War), Harry Page's 
most notable ancestor is likely Cyrus 
W. Field who laid the Atlantic cable. 


MARY DELITE (COWDREY) PAGE: 
Born in Valparaiso (Feb. 1, 1907) 
daughter of Arthur W. Cowdrey and 
Martha Mae (Thatcher) Cowdrey. Grad- 
uated in 1926 from Valparaiso High 
School and attended Gregg Business 
College, Chicago. Inactive member of 
Kappa Kappa Kappa. Baptized in and 
attended First Christian Church, Val- 
paraiso, where’ grandfather, Daniel 
Thatcher, served as deacon in original 
church on Franklin Street. 


Was employed by Farmers State 
Bank in temporary quarters in the Szold 
Building following the destruction of 
the bank in the Academy Block fire. 
Her father, Arthur W. Cowdrey, was 
cashier in that bank. Later worked in 
Dime Savings Bank in Detroit and the 
Central Trust and Savings Bank in Chi- 
cago. The depression and bank clos- 
ures caused her to accept an account- 
ing position with a dental supply com- 
pany in Chicago, and later became a 
saleslady for another dental firm. 
Through that connection, she met Harry 
L. Page whom she married. 

The family home, 104 Garfield Ave- 
nue, was purchased in 1894—the last 
house on ‘‘East Street’ (as Garfield 
was then named)—by Daniel and Mar- 
tha Jane (Young) Thatcher who with 
his mother, Deborah Ann Thatcher, 
lived and died there. Their daughter, 
Martha Mae Thatcher and Arthur W. 
Cowdrey were married there in 1905. 
Their daughter, Mary Delite, was born 
there, the fourth generation to occupy 
the house. Her father, Mr. Cowdrey 
died there in 1938 and Mrs. Cowdrey 
passed on in January, 1975. Both of 
Mrs. Page’s. great-greatgrandfathers 
(Pvt. Amos Thatcher and Col. John Wil- 
liam Cowdrey) served in the Revolution- 
ary War. In his diary, Col. Cowdrey re- 
veals that he was a spy for General 
Washington and, also, he was one of 
the men, disguised as an Indian, who 
“threw overboard from a vessel in Bos- 
ton Harbor its cargo of tea as a protest 
gainst the tax on that article, which the 
British parliament has imposed.”’ 

Submitted by Harry L. Page 


PARTLOW -- PACKWOOD 


O. RAY PARTLOW, born in Hartford 
City, Indiana October 1, 1913 and 
MARY KATHRYN PACKWOOD PART- 
LOW, born in Salem, Indiana on June 
12, 1915 were married October 25, 
1941 and now live at 1308 Forest Park 
Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana. They have 
two sons—Donald Lee and family of 
Greensburg, Indiana, and Robert Alan 
and family of Portage, Indiana. All 
members of the family are university 
people—Ray being a practicing attor- 
ney with office in Hobart, Indiana, and 
Mary a Home Economics teacher in the 
Junior High School. 

Ray taught elementary school at the 
old Columbia School in 1948-1949 and 
became interested in Valparaiso at that 
time. The War years of 1941-1946 had 
stimulated his boyhood desire to enter 
law school so he left teaching to com- 
plete his law training. He has sat as 
City Judge in Hobart and specializes 
in Probate and Real Estate Law. 

Mary has taught in the public schools 
for 20 years and is now retiring at end 
of the current year. Her work at Indiana 
University as an under-grad in the Art 
department brought her some honors 
and scholastic recognition and she 
hopes to continue painting upon re- 
tirement. 

She is a past regent of the Daughters 
of American Revolution, and is active 
in Bicentennial programs of her chap- 
ter. 


RAYMOND PATRICK AND 
BONNIE (WASHBURN) 
PATRICK 


Raymond Patrick was born and 
reared in Porter County. Bonnie (Wash- 
burn) Patrick moved to Valparaiso 
from Illinois in 1950. 

The Patricks have three children. 


Tom, 15, is a sophomore at Valpa- 
raiso High School. Tom enjoys bowling 
and wrestling. He is employed by Bill 
Thomas. 

Sandi, 9, attends 5th grade at St. 
Paul’s School. Sandi enjoys bowling, 
girl scouts, and the Y Girls Club. 

Chuck, 5, is in kindergarten at Cen- 
tral School. Chuck belongs to the 
Wayne Street Bigwheel Club. 

Raymond has served with the 82nd 
Airborne. He is presently employed on 
the Five Stand at Midwest Steel. Ray 
is an Assistant Griever for USWA, Lo- 
cal 6103. Ray is an avid hunter. He is 
particularly proud of the eight point 
buck he brought down with a bow and 
arrow. 

Bonnie is secretary for the Porter 
County Right to Life. A former Brownie 
leader, Bonnie is treasurer of NEIGH- 
BORHOOD 3, Dist. 5 East Lake-Porter 
County Girl Scouts, and township Chair- 
man for American Cancer. 


CHARLES G. PELLAR FAMILY 


Charles G. Peller is President of Pel- 
ler-Tanck-Gertsmeier-Reinert, Inc., Ar- 
chitects-Engineers-Surveyors. He was 
born in Chicago, served in European and 
Far East theatres in World War II, and 
earned his M.S. in Civil Engineering. 
He has practiced his profession in Illi- 
nois and Indiana. He has served as 
Department Chairman of Civil Engineer- 
ing at Valparaiso University. He is an 
elder in the Presbyterian Church, a Ro- 
tarian, and a 32nd Degree Mason. 

Mrs. Doris V. A. Peller was among 
the 10th generation of her family born 
in Kinderhook, New York. She earned a 
B.S. in Home Economics at Cornell 
University and taught that subject in 
New York State. She won her wings and 
served as stewardess for United Airlines 
and advanced to Supervisor, training 


others to be stewardesses. She went 
back to the classroom as a Home Eco- 
nomics instructor at Valparaiso Univer- 
sity when she and Charles moved here. 
She is a member of Kappa Kappa Kap- 
pa and Delta Gamma sororities and is 
active in the Presbyterian Women’s As- 
sociation, having served as President 
in 1972. 

Their first son, born in Chicago, 
graduated from Valparaiso High School. 
While there, Charles, Jr., was Drum 
Major for the band in 1965 and 1966. 
While earning his B.S. in Civil Engi- 
neering at Purdue University, he was in 
the Purdue Marching Band. He is an 
Alpha Chi Rho and works as an engineer 
for PTGR, Inc. 

Their first daughter, Charlotte Ann, 
was born in Valparaiso. In 1967 she 
represented VHS at Indiana Girls’ State. 
She was a member of the Honor So- 
ciety. After earning her B.S. in Social 
Studies at Purdue, she acquired her 
S.D. from Valparaiso University Law 
School. She also holds Tri-Kappa 


membership. 

Their second son is about to gradu- 
ate from Valparaiso High School. James 
Wagoner Peller cites motorcycle racing 
as his primary interest. 


I a 
HAROLD PENDLETON FAMILY 


Harold Pendleton, 1735 Indian 
Boundary Road, Chesterton, Indiana, 
employed at Youngstown Sheet & Tube 
Co., as Supervisor in the Metallurgical 
Dept., Employment there past 28 years. 
Attended Purdue University and is now 
continuing at same place for 2 yr. 
course. 

Barbara Pendleton, wife 

Children living at home: 


Susan, attends Chesterton High 


143 


144 


School, David, attends Westchester 
Middle School, Scott attends Brummitt 
Elementary School. 


We have three married children Dor- 
etta, Patricia and Dennis living in the 
Michigan City and Chesterton area. 


Our move to Chesterton was in 1971 
because we felt the educational system 
had many benefits to offer our three 
smaller children. They have been active 
in the AAU Swim program, Susan in 
Special Olympics program and David in 
Cub Scouts and Little League. 


MR. AND MRS. PHILIP B. 
PHILIPS 


Mr. and Mrs. Philip B. Philips are 
the parents of three children, Frederick 
Philip, Marilou Angela and Janathan 
Philip. Philip Philips, son of Blagoy 
and Angeline Kaczmarek Philips, was 
born in Gary and moved from Gary to 
700 N in 1936. He attended all twelve 
years at Portage and graduated in 
1948. He spent two years at Valparaiso 
University, followed by two years in 
the United States Army. On discharge, 
he spent a semester at Indiana Univer- 
sity Extension and then returned to Val- 
paraiso University graduating in 1955. 
Mrs. Philips is the former Maxine 
Bartz, daughter of the late Fred H. 
Bartz and Mary Emily Pinkerton Bartz. 
Her father, Fred, was born in Valpa- 
raiso, Washington Township, on Octo- 
ber 12, 1888. Maxine was born in Mich- 
igan City but her folks resided in Val- 
paraiso. She attended her elementary 
and high school years in the Valparaiso 
system, graduating from Valparaiso 
High School in 1952. She attended In- 
diana University from 1952 to 1953, 
returning to attend Indiana University 
extension where she met Philip Philips. 
They married in Valparaiso on April 
17, 1955. Frederick was born in Val- 
paraiso on April 25, 1956. Phil, Max- 
ine and Fred moved to Bloomington, 
Indiana, August, 1956 and spent one 
year on the Indiana University campus. 
Bill received his MBA at I.U. in August 
1957 and Maxine worked a few more 
hours toward her BS. We moved back 
to Valparaiso in August 1957 and Philip 
taught business at Washington Town- 
ship High School for three years. Mari- 
lou was born June 15, 1958. Phil 
worked a year at Midwest and Maxine 
continued to work toward her degree. 
In 1962, Phil joined his brother Carl 


Philips, who had purchased Briscoe 
Electric from Mrs. James Sullivan in 
1960, and formed Philips Furniture & 
Appliance Inc. later changed to Philips, 
Inc. which they own and operate on 
East Lincolnway at the present time. 
In 1962, Maxine received her degree 
from Indiana University and Jonathan 
Philip Philips was born September 23, 
1962. We have lived here all our lives. 
We are active members of the First 
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. 
Phil is a Rotarian. Maxine is one the 
Family Service Association board of di- 
rectors and a member of PEO Chapter 
J. We are active at present in the Val- 
paraiso Band Parent Organization. In 
the past we have served on the YMCA, 
DAR and AAUW. We enjoy golf and 
bridge. Fred is now a sophomore at IU, 
Marilou a senior at Valparaiso High 
School and Jonathan a 7th grader at 
Thomas Jefferson. Valparaiso will al- 
ways be home!!! 


Mrs. Fred H. Bartz, Mary Emily Pin- 
kerton Bartz, was born September 30, 
1901, in Huntley, Nebraska, the daugh- 
ter of William Armstrong Pinkerton and 
Mary Ellen Wisner Pinkerton. Her fath- 
er had lived in the Valparaiso area as a 
child, grew to manhood in the area, 
Spent two years near Plymouth during 
the Civil War, went to Kansas, Nebras- 
ka, and then back to Wanatah in 1902. 
Mrs. Bartz was educated in Wanatah 
and later worked in Valparaiso while 
attending Valparaiso University. She 
taught elementary school at Columbia 
School in Valparaiso in her early teach- 
ing career, married, taught homebound 
teaching and later taught at Pine Town- 
ship. She married Frederick H. Bartz 
on November 25, 1932. He was born 
in Washington Township, October 12, 
1888, son of William H. Bartz and 
Louisa Kaupke Bartz. They were the 
parents of three children: David Lee, 
stillborn November 1933, Maxine Joyce 
Bartz Philips, November 23, 1934, 
and Norma Lou Slanger, August 9, 
1937. Mr. and Mrs. Bartz owned and 
operated the Home Ice Company, later 
known as the Clover Leaf Dairy for 
years. The dairy was sold to Mr. Her- 
bert Brown, now Brown’s, and Mr. 


Bartz later joined the First Federal Sav- 
ings and Loan. He had served as a di- 
rector on the board and retired as pres- 
ident in 1965. He was a Rotarian and 
active member of the First Christian 


Church. Mrs. Bartz was very active in 
the community. She was an active mem- 
ber of the First Christian Church and 
taught Sunday School for years and 
also active in the Christian Woman's 
Fellowship. She held membership in 
Valparaiso Woman’s Club (served as 
president at one time) DAR (local and 
state and served as regent) Business 
and Professional Woman's club, Ameri- 
can Legion, Retired Teachers Asso- 
ciation, Mental Health, League of Wo- 
man Voters, Historical Society and 


Porter County Council of Church Wo- — 


man. She was a Woman of Distinction. 
She spent a number of years as Presi- 
dent of Porter County Council ° of 
Church Woman and led the woman in 
the founding and building of Wisper- 
ing Pines Home for Senior Citizens. She 
was acting as administrator of Whisper- 
ing Pines when stricken by a massive 
stroke July 18, 1969, which left her an 
aphasia patient and paralyzed on the 
right side. Mr. Bartz passed away De- 
cember 16, 1970 and Mrs. Bartz is 
now residing at Whispering Pines since 
January 1975. She had been residing 
at the Bartz home which they purchas- 
ed in the forties from Judge Davis. 


JUDGE AND MRS. ALFRED J. 
PIVARNIK 


Judge and Mrs. Alfred J. Pivarnik 
were both born in Porter County. 

He was the son of John and Jose- 
phine Pivarnik who moved to a farm 
in Center Township on Smoke Road 
from Lake County in 1919. His mater- 
nal grandparents, Valentime and Rose 
Blastic moved to Porter County a few 
years earlier and settled in Morgan 
Township a few miles south. They mi- 
grated to this country from Poland to 
Whiting, Indiana, before coming to this 
area. His paternal grandparents, John 
and Mary (Mager) Pivarnik also immi- 
grated from Southern Europe and set- 
tled in central Pennsylvania before 
moving to Lake County, Indiana in the 
late 1800's. 

Brothers and sisters are a twin broth- 
er, Robert, William John, and two sis- 
ters, Irene Mitchell of Valparaiso and 
Florence Kelly of Chesterton. Judge 
Pivarnik was graduated from Valpa- 
raiso High School in 1943. He saw ac- 
tive duty with the 15th Airforce of the 
Army Air Corp during World War || sta- 
tioned in Foggia, Italy. Upon his return 


he attended Valparaiso University. He 
received his LLB degree from that Law 
School in January, 1951. He later re- 
ceived the Degree of Juris Doctor from 
Valparaiso University Law School. He 
was Deputy Prosecutor in 1952 serv- 
ing under Attorney Clarence Wood and 
later under Attorney Fred Crumpacker. 
He served as Prosecuting Attorney from 
1959 to 1963. He was elected to the 
office of the Porter Circuit Court in 
1962, taking office in January 1, 1963. 
He is presently serving in his third 
term. 


On June 19, 1949 he married Cathe- 
rine Alyea at the Boone Grove Christian 
Church where they are members. Her 
parents were Pearl (Sawyer) and Ear! 
Alyea. She has one sister, Ruth Hall of 
Valparaiso. Her paternal grandparents 
were Catherine (Quinn) and Fremont 
Sawyer. Catherine and Fremont Sawyer 
built the beautiful country home in 
1906 now occupied by Catherine and 
Al Pivarnik. The farm is known as ‘‘The 
Maples’ and is situated six and one- 
half miles from Valparaiso. It has been 
in the family for seven generations. 
Part of it was home steaded. Fremont 
Sawyer was born in 1856, the year in 
which John C. Fremont was, the first 
nresidential standardbearer of the Re- 
publican party. Mr. Sawyer cast his 
first presidential vote for James Av Gar- 
field, and the family has supported Re- 
publican policies ever since. Her pater- 
nal grandparents were Mary (Smith) 
and George Washington Alyea of Boone 
Township. They came from Ohio. 

Judge and Mrs. Pivarnik have five 
children. Daniel Earl, who married Vicki 
Beatty and has one son, Chad Daniel. 
They now reside in Morgan Township. 
Vicki is attending Valparaiso University. 
Dan attended Valparaiso University and 
is a salesman with Indiana Home |m- 
provement. He is also half owner of 
the Burlington Bait Shop. 

Alana Catherine died in infancy. 


Edward John is a Certified Record- 
ing Engineer having attended the Re- 
cording Institute in Chicago. He also 
attended Purdue University. 

Timothy Alfred is attending Bemidji 
State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Laura Vicki is a student at Boone 
Grove School. All her brothers and sis- 
ter-in-law graduated from Boone Grove 
High School as did her mother and 
grandmother. 


Mrs. Catherine Pivarnik received the 
degree of Bachelor of Science in Edu- 
cation and the degree of Master of Ed- 
ucation from Valparaiso University. 
She teaches at Parkview School in Val- 
paraiso. The family represent the qual- 
ities which constitute the truest citizen- 
ship and contribute the best elements 
to the welfare of Porter County. 


GUY PLUMMER 


Upon his death in 1973, Guy Plum- 
mer ended a 121 year family history 
of farming in Porter County. Guy’s 
grandfather Josiah Plummer, traveled 
here from Sandusky, Ohio, and settled 
north of Hebron in 1854. He married 
Hannah Mutchler of Valparaiso, they 
had six children. 


Upon his death in 1893 the ‘‘home- 
place’’ was passed on to Guy’s father 
Perry Plummer. Perry married the for- 
mer Elenor Ludington of Porter Coun- 
ty, they had eleven children: Allen, de- 
ceased; Guy; Lynn, deceased; Malissa 
(Edwards); Rodney, deceased; Retha R. 
(Belaschky-Jolliff); Martha (Traeger), 
deceased; John, Hobart, Indiana; El- 
dena (Henschell), Manitwac, Wisconsin; 
Bernard, deceased; and Elmer, de- 
ceased. 


Upon Perry’s death in 1939 the farm 
went to Guy. Guy was married to the 
former Elsie Busselberg of Porter Coun- 
ty. They had no children. Elsie died in 
1965 and Guy in 1973, ending 121 
years of one family’s life in Porter 
County. 


THE PRINCIPES 


Father: James Louis Principe 

Mother: Rose Marie ller Principe 

They have resided in Valparaiso 
since their marriage. They have two 
daughters: Patricia Marie and Mary 
Lou. Patti is married to Warren Avaritt, 
who is a union sheet metal man, and 
Mary Lou is a junior at Valparaiso High 
School. 


Jim graduated from Valparaiso High 
School and went to work as a union Car- 
penter apprentice at National Homes. 
He served as president of the Valpa- 
raiso Carpenters Local, and following 
the consolidation of four locals, he 
served as its president. Now he is serv- 
ing as president of Lake County District 
Council of Carpenters and is employed 


full-time as a state organizer for the 
Carpenters. Rose graduated from Ches- 
terton High School and she was the first 
woman in Valparaiso to be in Beta Sig- 
na Phi for fifteen years and received the 
Order of the Rose. Patti, the oldest 
daughter, is employed at the East 
Branch of the First National Bank in 
Valparaiso. The Principe’s reside at 554 
Meadow Lane (Jim built this house). 
The Principe’s are members of the 
First United Methodist Church of Val- 
paraiso. 


MRS. WILLIS PRYOR 


Mrs. Willis Pryor, and her husband, 
came to Portage from Chicago in the 
1930’s. Mr. Pryor was semi-retired 
when they bought their property on 
Central Avenue, later retired and they 
lived there year round. Mr. Pryor died 
in 1954. 

The land upon which Mrs. Pryor’s 
home rests has an interesting history. 
It is on what was then called the Old 
Chicago-Detroit Post road. In earlier 
days, however, it was the site of an In- 
dian counseling and camp grounds. A 
creek runs through the property and 
often arrowheads come to the surface 
and countless numbers of them have 
been found through the years. 

Johnny Appleseed came through this 
part of the country on his pilgrimage to 
help housewives plant gardens, fur- 
nishing them seeds as he walked along. 
He also planted apple trees throughout 
the eastern and midwestern states. 
However, in the summers of 1933 and 
1934, under President Roosevelt’s dili- 
gent direction, the Civilian Conserva- 
tion Corps, in a burst of enthusiasm for 
clearing the land, cleared away all of 
the apple trees that had been planted 
Qn the Pryor’s land. 


Throughout the years gentians, wind 
flowers, trailing arbutus, have grown in 
profusion on the Pryor property. After 
Mr. Pryor retired they planted an herb 
farm, employing boys from the area for 
weeding, planting, and harvesting the 
fragrant herbs. Shelves were built for 
drying and when the wind came from 
the northerly direction, the fragrance 
drifted as far away as Highway 6 and 
people would follow the aroma to see 
where it could be coming from. Basil 


145 


146 


and sage were the main products and 
were harvested and sent in 50 pound 
sacks from the McCool freight station 
to herb dealers in New York. The boys 
who helped the Pryors are all grown up 
now; some are businessmen, some are 
policemen in the area, and every once 
in a while one will be heard to say, ‘‘Oh, 
yes, | know the Pryor land. | used to 
pull weeds for them at one time.”’ 


Then came World War Il, prices went 
up, and the cost of growing herbs be- 
came prohibitive. Mr. Pryor gardened, 
growing vegetables and flowers. Mrs. 
Pryor is an artist and continued to paint 
and exhibit her paintings at fairs and 
Shows and galleries throughout the 
country. She has a permanent exhibi- 
tion at the Chesterton State Bank. It 
was unusual to see a woman painting 
the mills and manufacturing buildings 
in and around Gary but she felt, and 
still feels, that this is an important 
part of the history of Gary; steel being 
such an integral part of life here. 


Since Mr. Pryor’s death Mrs. Pryor 
has lived a semi-retired life. She 
painted for a time but has not sent to 
exhibitions for some years. 


THE ELLIS PULLINS FAMILY 
HISTORY 


My family spent all their lives in and 
around Valparaiso. | grew up close to 
Kouts, Indiana. My father did his bank 
business when | was young with Mr. 
William Pinney at the Valparaiso Bank. 
My father drove horses and wagon 
loads of wheat to be ground into flour 
at Sagers Mill. 

My brother, Howard Theodore Knei- 
fel, was killed while serving with the 
82nd Airborne Division in France. My 
mother passed away in 1974. She was 
a Gold Star Mother, as my brother had 
received the Purple Heart Award. He 
carried two presidents names and his 
name is on the board that was posted 
at the Valparaiso Courtyard. My hus- 
band helped remove the old Lincolnway 
brick street and helped build the new 
street. He also helped replace the wa- 
ter logs in the city water system. 


My mother was the oldest lady in 
Porter County, having only lacked three 
months of being 100 years old. | had 
a family of seven sons and three daugh- 
ters. My husband passed away Janu- 
ary 21, 1961. All of my children live 
and work in Valparaiso. One son deliv- 
ers Mid-America Homes to Valparaiso. 
All of my children attended Cooks Cor- 
ners School. 

My husband was Ellis Pullins. He 
worked many long hours for the Valpa- 
raiso City Water Department. He also 
helped tear down the court house that 
burned. 

I've lived on Bullseye Lake Road 
since 1940. Most of our 50 acre farm 
is now built up in subdivisions. | live 
on one corner north of the new Presby- 


ee 


Roy E. Ransom Family 


terian Church. | like Valparaiso, and 
plan to spend all my remaining days 
here. | was married in Valparaiso and | 
hope this is a memory letter to print 
for the bicentennial book. 


RANSOM FAMILY 


Thomas Jefferson Ransom—born 
May 9, 1831 in McGrawville, Cortland 
County, New York. Married Mary Keene 
September 20, 1856—also a native of 


New York. Moved to Porter County, ~ 


Center Township after the Civil War. 
Nine children were born: Lucius, Grif- 
fin, May, Minnie, Archie, Anna, Lottie, 
Jimmie, and Robert—(2nd generation) 
—all deceased. 


He first farmed with oxen, lived in 
a log cabin. A new house was built on 
the same site in 1868, using the parlor 
of the log cabin as a kitchen in the new 
home which is still standing. 

3rd generation: Roy J. Ransom, son 
of Griffin, born September 6, 1901. 
Married June 2, 1924 to Lolabell 
Schatz. Still lives on homestead. 


4th generation: Roy E. Ransom, son 
of Roy J., born June 24, 1931. Married 
Charlotte Orange December 27, 1952. 
Also lives on same farm. They have 3 
sons—Robert, Charles and David Ran- 
som—5dth generation. 


SO | ae a 
m i se ee 
SEN ie aber 


ee ee ae 


a 


! 


= 


WALTER AND NATHALIE 
RAYDER FAMILY 


John and Emily Rayder moved to Val- 
paraiso in 1917 from Whiting, Indiana. 
John was the son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Jessie Rayder. John and his wife pur- 
chased a home on the then outskirts 
of Valparaiso at 804 Campbell Street. 

John Rayder worked on the Penn. 
R.R. at Clark Junction, between Gary 
and Indiana Harbor. He started as a 
lampman at the age of 12, and worked 
up to telegrapher. He accumulated 60 
years service before he retired. John’s 
father, Jessie, also worked for the 
Penn R.R. accumulating 60 years also 
before he retired. 

John and Emily (Schurerer) Rayder 
had two sons; Harold and Walter. Both 
boys went to the public schools of Val- 
paraiso. 

Harold worked for Union Tank Car 
Company in Whiting until he purchased 
a farm east of Valparaiso and retired to 
farming. He sold the farm and moved 
to Knox, Indiana where he now lives 
with his wife Ethyl and daughter Debo- 
rah. Harold was deputy sheriff during 
the time Mr. Buchanan was sheriff. 

Walter worked for the Continental 
Diamond Fibre Company, Lantz Mfg. 
Company and is now employed by Na- 
tional Construction Company. 

My family goes back to 1894 as far 
as Porter County history goes. James 
and Nora (Ryan) McCarthy, both na- 
tives of Ireland, immigrated to Canada 
in 1817 where he was a farmer. They 
had a large family of 14 children, 
Michael C. being the youngest. In Can- 
ada Michael met and married Nathalie 
Roy in 1863. He learned the stone ma- 
son trade and with that as a base built 
his subsequent career, He moved to 
Chicago with his wife in 1864 where 
he was among the prominent contrac- 
tors of Chicago. 

Michael and his wife had six chil- 


dren. They all were graduated from 
Chicago High Schools. Mary Frances, 
the older of the daughters, studied mu- 
sic under Dr. Ziegfeld in the Chicago 
Musical College. She then taught mu- 
sic in Chicago. 

In 1894 Michael and his family 
moved to a farm outside Kouts, In- 
diana. Mary McCarthy married William 
R. Beckwith and had three children, 
Marie, Louise, and Charles. 


Louise died at the age of 8 years 
of age of diptheria. Marie was edu- 
cated at Valparaiso University and was 
a teacher at the Lauer School near 
Kouts. She met and married Ferdinand 
F. Haas and moved to Peoria, Illinois. 

Charles stayed on the farm that his 
grandfather purchased when he moved 
from Chicago. Charles married Dessie 
Parks in 1919 and had four children, 
Nathalie, Charles Jr., Genevieve and 
William. Charles Sr. died in 1933. 


Dessie moved to Valparaiso during 
the depression and worked hard to 
bring up four small children. All chil- 
dren graduated from Valparaiso High 
School. Charles and William were in 
the military service during World War 
ll. Charles in the Army in Guam and 
William in the Navy near the Philip- 
pines. 

William was killed, along with four 
other servicemen, in a motor crash near 
Hobart, August 1945, a week after they 
were discharged from service. 

Genevieve married John L. Stitts and 
have three children. 


Nathalie and Walter met in 1940, 
married and had two boys, Warren and 
John. We live at 802 Campbell Street. 

Warren graduated from Valparaiso 
Public Schools and also Valparaiso 
University in 1964. He went into the 
Navy Air at Pensacola, Florida in 1964. 
In the Navy he was stationed on the 
cruiser, New Port News. Two years 
he spent at the Naval Academy in An- 
napolis, Md. teaching the cadets how 
to be seamen. While he was stationed 
at Pensacola he met and married Lin- 
da Chisolm. They have two daughters, 
Kelley and Heather (our beautiful 
granddaughters). After serving five 
years in the active navy he went to 
Columbus, Ohio, where he taught the 
deaf in the High School while getting 
his Masters degree in special Educa- 
tion. In June, 1975, Warren and his 
family moved back to Pensacola, Flori- 


da, where he is counselling in the city 
school system while going to school for 
the ministry. 


John graduated from the Valparaiso 
Public Schools and also Valparaiso Uni- 
versity in 1969. He joined the Army 
and served in Viet Nam for two years 
Stationed at the Ben Hoa Air Base. 
After Viet Nam he was stationed at the 
University of Dayton teaching in the 
Army R.O.T.C. Since his brother was 
in Columbus, Ohio, close by, John 
spent leaves in Columbus where he met 
and married Mary Joanne Horn from 
Columbus. 


After discharge from the Army John 
worked for Travellers Insurance Com- 
pany as a Claims Adjuster. He now lives 
in Butte, Montana with his wife, still 
working for Travellers. 


DR. LAURENCE W. REED 
FAMILY 


Dr. Laurence Wilcox Reed (D.V.M.) 
was borne in Chicago, Illinois in 1942, 
attended Knox College, Galesburg, IlIli- 
nois. Received a B.S. LAS 1965 Uni- 
versity of Illinois, BS—Vet Med. 1967 
and DVM in 1969, University of Illi- 
nois. He practiced in Howard, Illinois 
prior to practicing small animal medi- 
cine at Westchester Animal Clinic, 
Chesterton, Indiana January, 1973 to 
present. 


Gloria Reed borne in Monogahela, 
Pa. (Gloria Janes Collins). Moved to 
Porter County in 1973. 

They are parents of two children, 
Tracy and Michele. 


REGLEIN FAMILY TREE 


Charles and Caroline (Lena) Reglein 
immigrated to the United States from 
Germany around the middle of the nine- 
teenth century. They met in the states 
and were married here, and first set- 
tled in Otis, Indiana. They later moved 
to Chesterton, Indiana, where they built 
their home. They had thirteen children, 
two who died in infancy. 

Their eleven children are as follows, 
beginning with the oldest: 

The eldest daughter was Annie. She 
married Fred Timm and they had three 
children. They are Florence, Alice and 
Harry. Florence, now deceased, has one 
daughter, Mrs. Bob (Nancy) Johnson. 

The eldest son was Henry. He mar- 
ried Bessie Long, and they have one 


147 


148 


daughter Vera. Vera married Arvid Er- 
ickson, and they have two sons, Corky 
and Douglas. 


The next daughter was Lizzie. She 
married Louis Shultz, and they had sev- 
en children, two who died in infancy, 
Edwin and Effie. The others are Glen, 
Phoebe, Mabel, Leo and Robert. Glen, 
now deceased, married Eva Sinclair 
and had no children. Phoebe married 
Forrest Larson and had two daughters, 
Edwina and Cleon. Mabel married Rev. 
Alfred Hardt, and they had two daugh- 
ters, Dorothy Ann and Audrey. Leo mar- 
ried Mary Wozniak, and has two sons, 
Donald and Richard. Robert married 
Marian Stephens, and has a son Rob- 
ert and a daughter Patty. 


Louis married Hattie Groose. To this 
union were born two daughters, Leona 
and Thelma. Leona married Charles 
Granat and they have five children, 
Charlyce, Gary, Bruce, Gayle and Jac- 
lyn. Thelma is now married to Henry 
Wilson, and has five children by previ- 
ous marriages, namely, Brent, Morris, 
James and Wanda Medley and Louis 
Jarrett. 


August married Lillie Harbrecht. 
They had three children, Loretta who 
died in infancy, and Evelyn and 
Charles. Evelyn married Knute Oness 
and they have two children, Barbara 
and Terry. Charles married Vietta 
Schroeder, and they have two children, 
John and Diana. 


Emma married Tom Brooks and they 
had six children. Marvin married Lor- 
etta Coleman and they have one daugh- 
ter, Beverly. Ruth married Martin Eric- 
son, and they have two daughters, Kay 
and Gayle. Roy married Leona Wick- 
berg, and they have two daughters, 
Phyllis and Judy. Thomas married Mae 
Targarrt, and they have two sons Craig 
and Clifford, and one daughter Carol. 
Howard married Rita Milzarek, and 
they have two boys, Danny and Russell, 
and one girl Kathy. Ralf married Do- 
lores Grieger, and they have a daugh- 
ter Bonnie. 


Fred was first married to Olive. They 
had two children, Eugene and Mildred. 
He was later married to Anna Heath. 


Arthur was married twice. First mar- 
riage was to Florence Johnson, and they 
had a daughter, Loretta. He later mar- 
ried Letitia Singer, and they have a 
son Ronald. 


Edward was the youngest son. He 
was married twice and had no children. 
First marriage was to Laura Silk and the 
second to Winona Hess. 


Minnie was first married to Verne 
Rodgers and they had one son, Verne. 
Her second marriage was to Roy Jack- 
son. 


Ella was first married to Charles 
Hobsen, and her second marriage was 
to Robert Baughman. She has no chil- 
dren. 


REINKE FAMILY 


Our family consists of myself, Fran- 
ces Reinke, my husband Leonard 
Reinke and our dog, Brandy-Bear, two 
chameleions, two hermit crabs, hun- 
dreds of tropical fish and two turtles. 
Brandy Bear is a toy collie puppy. Her 
mother was Screwball, the best dog a 
family could have ever had for six 
years. Screwball passed away the sum- 
mer of 1975—everyone in our neigh- 
borhood loved that dog, so we around 
Cedar Trail in Ogden Dunes are still 
very much saddened by the loss of 
Screwball. 


| am the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Ted Kasperek of East Gary, Indiana. My 
late grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. 
Zowal of East Gary and Mr. and Mrs. 
Kasperek of Gary, Indiana. 


| attended Columbus grade school 
and East Gary Edison High School. Ac- 
ademically | was fourth in my graduat- 
ing class. | received the Betty Crocker 
award, the American Legion Award, and 
The Miss Edisonian award upon gradu- 
ation in 1959. | also was fortunate 
enough to attend Hoosier Girls’ State 
during the summer of 1958—tthis ex- 
perience was one of the most reward- 
ing in my life. | only wish every girl 
could have the opportunity to attend 
Hoosier Girl’s State. | was the senior 
class treasurer and also a member of 
the yearbook and newspaper and var- 
ious clubs and organizations. The Fu- 
ture Teachers of America was one of 
the best clubs | belonged to and mem- 
bership in the FTA, I’m sure, guided me 
along into my present position of biol- 
ogy and anatomy teacher at Gavit High 
School in Hammond, Indiana where | 
have taught for 12 years. | am also a 
part-time instructor at St. Joe’s Calu- 
met College, East Chicago. My teach- 
ers throughout my grade school and 


high school education were mostly ter- 
rific and | feel very fortunate to have 
grown up in the small town of East 
Gary. | must also praise the teachers | 
had at Indiana University where | re- 
ceived a B.S. in Education, biology, 
1963, the University of Michigan where 
| received an M.A. in counseling and 
guidance, 1965 and at Notre Dame 
University where | received a specialist 
degree in geology, 1972. Also | at- 
tended the following Universities dur- 
ing various Summers with grants from 
the National Science Foundation; Cath- 
olic University of Puerto Rico, Montana 
State University, Ball State University, 
Butler University and Argonne National 
Lab in Illinois. 


In 1975, my first book, AUTUMN 
RAIN, a tragic love story was published. 
| am presently working on two more 
books, KELLY GREEN and YOU DID 
WHAT WITH YOUR CLOTHES? | have 
always been interested in writing and 
| do hope that eventually | will become 
a best seller author. 


In 1969 on June 21, my husband 
Leonard and | were married at St. Fran- 
cis Xaviere church in East Gary. We 
lived in East Gary for 3 years and in 
October of 1971 we bought our pres- 
ent house in Ogden Dunes. Our home 
has lots of history connected with it 
since it was built by Samuel Reck in 
1923 when he first began the develop- 
ment of Ogden Dunes. Our home was 
the first year round home to be con- 
structed between Gary and Michigan 
City north of U.S. 12. We have pictures 
of the home in 1923 when it was sur- 
rounded only by sand dunes. We pur- 
chased the house from Mr. and Mrs. 
Charles Reeman who had lived in it for 
twenty-five years and are now retired 
in Lyons, Colorado. 


We love living in Ogden Dunes. We 
are fortunate enough to see the beauty 
of Lake Michigan from almost every 
window in our home. Next year we hope 
to build an additional bedroom. 


My husband, Leonard, attended St. 
Mark’s grade school and Lew Wallace 
High School and graduated from Bis- 
hop Noll Institute in 1959. He lived in 
Glen Park until we were married. He 
attended St. Joes Calumet College and 
hopes to finish work on his degree in 
the very near future. He is employed 
by Ironworker’s Local #395 in Ham- 
mond, Indiana. He attended the Iron- 


workers school at Purdue University to 
become an Ironworker Journeyman. We 
have been very fortunate to have trav- 
elled throughout the U.S.A. and around 
the world. Travelling is our first love 
and we anticipate seeing much more 
of this world before we leave it. 


We plan on remaining in Porter 
County for the rest of our years. 


REV. REISCHAUER 


The following is a brief outline of my 
ministry, and our coming to Valparaiso. 


The Rev. H. A. Reischauer, BT, and 
Anna G. (Woidke) Reischauer. | was 
born 5/19/99 in Tulare, S.D. My fath- 
er was a missionary in this frontier 
country. Our first parsonage was a sod 
hut. The fuel for the winter was dry 
cow chips and straw. Often our meals 
consisted of frozen potatoes and home- 
made bread. Mrs. Reischauer was born 
in Cleveland, 0., 7/26/02. She _ at- 
tended Western Reserve U., and worked 
as librarian for 1014 years. We were 
married 8/29/28. 


| was graduated from Concordia The- 
ological Seminary, Springfield, Ill. 
5/28, and received my first pastorate 
at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia, 
Mich. which | served six years to the 
date, 9/2/28 to 9/2/34. Our son Ron- 
ald was born here 7/30/29. Besides 
leading the congregation in the transi- 
tion from German to English, | also 
taught parochial school, 8 grades. Mrs. 
Reischauer assisted in teaching art. 


On 8/26/34 | received a call to Our 
Savior Lutheran (mission) Congregation 
in Flint, Mich., which | served for 2114 
years. Besides the mission work of 
building the congregation, | also taught 
school here for two years. Our daughter 
Lois (Prahlow) was born here 9/30/38. 
It soon became evident through the 
growth of the mission that larger quar- 
ters for worship and the school had to 
be provided. A new site was purchased, 
and in 1947, after building restrictions 
were lifted, the construction of a Mod- 
ern Gothic Stone Church and School 
was begun. This structure was dedi- 
cated to the Glory of God on 10/10/ 
48. The congregation had grown from 
68 to 544 communicants, and 359 bap- 
tized children. 


In June 1955 | received and ac- 
cepted a call to St. Marks Lutheran 


Church, St. Charles Ill., which | served 
for 101% years. Here | led the congre- 
gation in remodeling a former Metho- 
dist Church which was given to the con- 
gregation by Mr. Ed. Baker. For con- 
tinued growth and expansion the re- 
mainder of the block was purchased, 
and the plans for a Sunday-school and 
Fellowship Hall were drawn in the 
spring of 1965. 

At this time the Christian Community 
Action Association of Valparaiso was 
in need of House Parents for Green- 
wich House, which had been started 
the previous year. On 11/29/65 we 
moved to Valpo. Mrs. Reischauer be- 
came the House Mother of Greenwich 
House. In 314 years it was our prvi- 
lege to help 33 ladies of Beatty Hos- 
pital to live back into society. Four of 
these ladies are still actively employed 
in Valpo. 

In 3/10/68 Immanuel Lutheran 
Church asked me to take over the pas- 
torate to the sick and shutins of the 
congregation, and to assist in the Sun- 
day Services. We have enjoyed our resi- 
dency and work in Valpo immensely. 
The Lord has blessed us abundantly 
and given us the joy of being near to 
our daughter and son-in-law Lois and 
August Prahlow, and their five children, 
Christopher, Joseph, Timothy, Debo- 
rah, and Nathan. We also have a grand- 
daughter Ruth Flunder and a great- 
grand-daughter, Anne Marie, living in 
Detroit, Mich., and an adopted grand- 
son David, who lives with our son and 
daughter-in-law Ronald and Evangeline 
Reischauer, in St. Charles, Ill. Our hob- 


by is woodwork and decoupaging. The 
Lord has been good to us all these 
years, we give praise and glory to His 
Holy Name. 


JAMES T. RICHMOND FAMILY 


James T. Richmond family lived at 
their present location in Portage Town- 
ship, RR 1, Hobart, Indiana since 1928. 

We have one son, Gene Alan that 
lives with his wife Kathy and two sons. 
James Alan—5 years old and Gene 
Michael—114 years old, on RR 1, Ho- 
bart, Indiana. 

We reared two of my nephews, Vir- 
gil R. Crisman, (now living with his 
family in Monticello, Indiana) and Paul 
E. Crisman (living in Hobart, Indiana). 
They are two of Ray Crisman’s grand- 
sons (sons of Ralph). Ray Crisman was 
a pioneer of Porter County—1874 to 
1967. Lived in the area of Wheeler, In- 
diana. 

Submitted by Edith R. Richmond 


MR. AND MRS. LEON RIGG 


Mr. and Mrs. Leon Rigg were mar- 
ried in November of 1939. They had 
four children who are now married. 
Judy the oldest, lives in Chicago and 
teaches Senior high English and 
Speech, is married to Robert Mathias. 
James, married to Linda Williams, has 
two sons, Gary and Mark; Wallace, mar- 
ried to Linda Rush, has one son Kevin. 
Thomas, married to Karin Fait, has 
Daniel and Lisa. The three sons live 
in Washington Township, Indiana. 

Leon’s parents were James and Edna 
Rigg who purchased this farm in 1908. 
It was known as Maple Leaf Farm. 
James Rigg served as Township Trus- 
tee and as County Commissioner. 
Leon’s paternal grandparents were Wal- 
lace and Florence McGinley Rigg who 
farmed in Porter Township. His mater- 
nal grandparents were James and Lo- 
vina Ludington, also of Porter Town- 
ship. His great grandparents, Hazard 
and Elvira Sheffield came to Porter 


149 


150 


Township from Rhode Island and ac- 
quired 700 acres of land in Porter 
Township. They built a large 14 room 
brick Victorian style home which stil! 
stands. It is near Porter Cross Roads 
on Indiana State Road 2. 


Mildred Rigg’s parents were Ken- 
neth and Nina Dilley. Her maternal 
grandparents were Al and Ida L. Wor- 
stell who came from Ohio. He was a 
school teacher. Her family name was 
Uhrich, from which Uhrichsville, Ohio 
was named. Mrs. Leon Rigg’s paternal 
grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. John 
Dilley. The farm they owned had be- 
longed to her parents Daniel Merriss. 
It was located 2 miles south of Hebron, 
Indiana. That same farm house is still 
Standing and being lived in. 


John Dilley was a grandson of Mrs. 
Mary Dinwiddie Dilley who as a widow 
with one son, David, came in 1836, in 
covered wagon with other Dilley and 
Dinwiddie families who settled in south- 
ern Porter and Lake counties. The Dil- 
leys were Irish people from Pennsyl- 
vania. The Dinwiddies were from Vir- 
ginia and were from the Scotch-Irish 
who migrated to the American colo- 
nies as Protestants and Presbyterians 
from Scotland and North Ireland. 

Mrs. Leon Rigg taught school in Por- 
ter County Schools, starting as First 
Grade Teacher in Westchester Town- 
ship. 

Leon carried on the farm from his 
parents. He served on the Porter Coun- 
ty board of Commissioners and worked 
many years in Porter County 4-H Club 
work as Supt. of the Beef Cattle Divi- 
sion of the 4-H Fair and as a member 
of the aFir Board. Mr. and Mrs. Leon 
Rigg are members of the First Chris- 
tian Church in Valparaiso. He is also 
a member of Masonic Lodge and she 
is a member of Eastern Star of Val- 
paraiso. 


Information taken from ‘History of 
Porter County’’ and from ‘“‘Dinwiddie 
Family History.”’ 


DESCENDANTS OF SAMUEL E. 
RIGG 


Samuel E, Rigg came to Porter Coun- 
ty with his parents, William and Mary 
Wallace Rigg, in 1861 at the age of 


eight. Samuel was the youngest of five 
brothers. In 1859 his father Wiiliam 
came to Porter County from Lawrence 
County, Pennsylvania in search of 
work. He brought with him a thresh- 
ing machine and his Morgan horses 
via the Pennsylvania Railroad. On the 
first of November 1859 he purchased 
160 acres of farm land with buildings, 
five miles southwest of Valparaiso, for 
$4,500. He moved the family to this 
location in 1861. This land is now 
owned by Samuel’s grandchildren. The 
original house is occupied by tenants. 

In 1881 Samuel purchased an ad- 
jacent 40 acres to the north of the orig- 
inal farm where he and his bride, Caro- 
line Reif, settled in 1883. Their only 
child, Roy E., married Ida Skinkle in 
1905 and later moved to the original 
160 acres. Their three children Au- 


retta, Newell and Neil were born and 
raised on this farm. In 1945 Auretta 
and her husband, the late Wallace 
Aylesworth, purchased and now reside 
on the 40 acres her grandfather had 
bought in 1881. The Aylesworths were 
school teachers in Porter County re- 
tiring in 1968. Wallace retired as Su- 
perintendent of the Portage School 
System and Auretta from the Valparaiso 
Public Schools. Their daughter Adair 
(Mrs. Robert Wiese) and children Wal- 
lace, Wynn and Wanda reside on a 
dairy and beef farm near Pewaukee, 
Wisconsin. Arden (Mrs. Larry Lansing) 
and children Lisa, Lori and Lance pur- 
chased a dairy and beef farm near Dar- 
lington, Wisconsin. They moved from 
Porter County in 1973. 

Newell and his wife, the former 
Gladys Aylesworth, purchased a farm 
and reside fou. miles south of the home 
site. Their son Roger married Kay Bald- 
win and live on the farm with their 
daughters Debra and Krista. Their 
daughter Vernice (Mrs. Donald Buch- 
anan) and children Ronald, Kathy and 
LuAnn reside on a farm in the Hebron 
area. 


Neil’s widow, the former Charlotte 
Norton, and their daughter Jane (Mrs. 
Ronald Fisher) and grandchildren Val- 
erie, Laurie and Julie reside in the He- 
bron area. 


GERTRUDE HELENA LENBURG 
ROBBINS 


|! was born March 3, 1888, on the 
farm of my parents in Portage Town- 
ship, on the same site my brother now 
lives on. | taught 1st 8 grades of school 
at the Heaton School in Portage Town- 
ship for 2 years, before marrying Jo- 
seph Samuel Robbins. We now reside 
in the Robbins ancestral home. 

| am a descendant of Jacob and Anna 
Lenburg, the first German immigrant 
couple to be married in Valparaiso, on 
March 28, 1856, settling in Portage 
Township in 1860. They were the par- 
ents of 7 children; John, James, Louis, 
Don, Anna, Minnie, all growing to 
adulthood and residing nearby; and 
the youngest, Alvina, who moved to 
Kansas and died in Texas. 

Every year we have a Lenburg fam- 
ily reunion. My living cousins are Har- 
vey Lenburg, of the city of Portage, son 
of John; Flora Hockelberg, Liberty 
Township, daughter of Louis; Elmer 
Lenburg, of the city of Portage, son of 
Don; John Tofte of Jackson Township, 
son of Anna; Anna Dalke and John 
Benke, both of the City of Valparaiso, 
children of Minnie. My sister, Anna 
Thiesen, of Valparaiso, and my broth- 
er, James Lenburg, of the city of Port- 
age and myself, are the living children 
of James. 

| also have a heritage from my mo- 
ther, Helena Weitzel, whose parents 


Robbins Homestead 
v 


A . 


- 
2 


—— te 
—sa 


ip & 


¥ 


= 


Bo. 


Uh me it 


++ @ 
aS 2 


came from Germany. They sailed over 
the ocean in a Sailing vessel for 6 
weeks, before landing in New Orleans, 
Louisiana. They went on to friends in 
Chicago, Illinois. My mother was born 
in Chicago. They decided to move on 
to Indiana, and drove from Chicago 
with a team of oxen to Whipporwill 
Prairie in Liberty Township, where they 
built a house which is still standing 
with modern additions, and is occu- 
pied by Garhart Weitzel, my cousin, 
and his wife, Marian. 


My grandmother and grandfather 
Lenburg celebrated their Golden Wed- 
ding Anniversary; my mother and father 
celebrated their Golden Wedding Anni- 
versary and my husband and | cele- 
brated our Golden Wedding Anniver- 
sary. At each of the celebrations none 
of the grandchildren were yet married. 

| have been blessed with six chil- 
dren; Ruth, Marjorie Herren, and Laur- 
etta McDonald, living; and Mary Joe, 
Elizabeth and Lewis, deceased; eight 
grandchildren, Joseph Putnam Rob- 
bins, Janet Robbins, Edith Elderkin, 
Susan Dean, Joseph James McDonald, 
Douglas McDonald, Lewis Herren and 
Nicholas Herren; twelve great grand- 
children, Brian Putnam Robbins, Eliza- 
beth and Mark Samuel Robbins; Paul, 
Robbins and Stuart Suckow; Constance, 
Christina and Paul Dean; Sarah Elder- 
kin, Stacy Marie Herren and Michael 
Herren. 


JOSEPH SAMUEL ROBBINS 


| was born April 30, 1881, at the 
place where | now reside. Samuel Put- 
nam Robbins was my_ grandfather. 
Grandfather came to Porter County in 
1833, before the government land sale, 
and settled on Squirrel Creek, Portage 
Township. He bought government land 
for $1.25 acre, and built a log cabin 
on it. Later he went back to Ohio, and 
married Caroline Coe, and brought her 
back to Indiana. They were the parents 
of 7 sons and 1 daughter. Five sons 
grew to manhood; Amos, who settled 
on what is now the corner of Robbins 
Road and State Road 149; Levi, who 
moved to Kansas; James, who also set- 
tled on what is now known as Robbins 
Road east of the homestead in Portage 
Township; my father, Lewis Henry, who 
always remained on the old homestead; 
and Joseph, who moved to lowa. My 


father went back to the old homestead 
in Ohio, and married Mary Adelaide 
Stacy. Of that union | was the oldest, 
followed by my sisters, Grace Moran 
and Edith Strong, and my _ brother, 
Glen. Grace and Glen are both de- 
ceased. 


The first graduating class in Portage 
Township was in 1895, consisting of 3 
graduates, Henry Robbins and Bertha 
Robbins, my cousins, and myself. 
There were no higher schools than the 
8th grade in Portage Township at that 
time. | then went to the Normal School 
at Valparaiso, took the Commercial 
Course the first year, and went back 
to the Normal School the second year, 
taking the Teacher’s Course, graduat- 
ing from both courses. | then went to 
Morgan Park Military Academy at Mor- 
gan Park, Illinois, for one year, which 
was then the preparatory school for 
Chicago University. | then registered at 
Purdue in the 4 year Agricultural 
Course, where | went for 2 years, and 
graduated from the 2 year Agricultural 
Course. | was very active in the athle- 
tic work of basketball and wrestling. 
My reputation was the greatest strength 
for my weight of any student in Purdue. 

After coming home from two years 
at Purdue | joined my father in farm- 
ing and also operating a general store, 
elevator and implement business at 
the Village of McCool. The Post Office 
of McCool was located in the general 
store, and | was postmaster for several 
years. The McCool Post Office was 
robbed one night during the time | was 
postmaster. | located the robbers in 
Chicago, both of whom were ex-con- 
victs. There was a trial in Indianapolis, 
and the robbers were sentenced to the 
federal penitentiary in I\linois. 


On June 18th, 1907, Gertrude Len- 
burg and | were married, after she had 
taught 2 years at the Heaton School in 
Portage Township. 

| had one of the first automobile 
agencies in Porter County. The first 
agency was for the Reo automobile, and 
my first car was a one cylinder Reo. | 
later had agencies for the White Steam- 
er, and the Stanley Steamer; and the 
little wooden frame, one cylinder auto- 
mobile, known as the Brush. 

| was the first business man ever in 
the city of Gary, which at that time was 
nothing more than the sand knobs oc- 
cupied by the Calumet Club of Chicago. 


The only building was their Club House 
located on the beach of Lake Michigan, 
where the Gary Steel Mills now stand. 
The first grading and leveling of the 
sand knobs was done by horses and 
scraper, and Stein and Wyatt had the 
first contract for grading and leveling 
the sand knobs for the first steel mills. 
| furnished them all the feed for their 
horses, shipping hay and grain from 
the elevator at McCool, on the Balti- 
more & Ohio Railroad local. The feed 
and grain was unloaded at the old rail- 
road shed of the Calumet Club House 
on the B & O. The only way | could get 
to Gary was by horse and buggy, going 
to what was then the town of Miller, 
driving down to the beach and going 
along the beach to the old Calumet 
Club House where Stein and Wyatt had 
their offices. 


| furnished moulding sand and loam 
for foundries and steel mills in Chicago 
and around Chicago, shipping from my 
farm at McCool. 


WILLIAM F. ROESKE 


William F. Roeske, son of Reinhold 
and Emily Sonnenburg Roeske, was 
born in Palos Park, Illinois. He moved 
to a 140-acre farm at Boone Grove, 
Indiana, in 1928 and graduated from 
Porter Township High School (Boone 
Grove) and Valparaiso University. In 
1937 he was employed by Tractor 
Works, International Harvester Com- 
pany, Chicago, Illinois, where he 
worked until the plant was closed in 
1970. At present he is the Boone Grove 
Postmaster. 


On June 23, 1940, he married 
Louise M. Wachholz, daughter of Rob- 
ert G. H. and Anna Schimmel Wachholz. 
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, but 
moved in 1924 to an 80-acre farm lo- 
cated one mile west of Porter X Roads, 
Porter Township, Porter County, Indi- 
ana. She attended Porter X Roads Ele- 
mentary School and graduated from 
Porter Township High School. 


William and Louise are parents of 
three children: William Robert of San 
Diego, California; Marilyn Louise of 
Huntington Beach, California; and Sally 
Lorraine of Boone Grove, Indiana. All 
three children graduated from .Boone 
Grove High School. William graduated 
from the University of California and re- 
ceived an M.D. degree from Stanford 


15] 


152 


University. Marilyn graduated from In- 
diana University and received a Ph.D. 
degree from Stanford University. Sally 
graduated from Reed College in Port- 
land, Oregon, and also received an 
M.A.T. degree from Reed College. 

William and Louise have three grand- 
children: Lisa and Lara Roeske of Cali- 
fornia and lan David Lucas of Boone 
Grove, Indiana. 


William and Louise are of German 
ancestry. His maternal grandparents 
were born in Hochfeld, Germany (near 
Posen); his paternal grandparents were 
born near Bremen, Germany. His par- 
ents were born in Palos Park, Illinois. 
Louise’s father was born in Kolberg, 
Germany. Her maternal grandparents 
were born in Brandenburg, Germany; 
her mother was born in Princeton, Wis- 
consin. 


SARA ROMMELMANN 


My name is Sara Rommelmann. | 
am 11 and go to Kouts School, the 
same as my sister Lisa who is 10 years 
old. 


My mother is Jeanette Rommelmann. 
She has lived in Kouts all her life. She 
went to nursing school in Fort Wayne. 
Paul Rommelmann, my father, lived in 
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, for about 20 
years. He came to Valparaiso to go to 
Valparaiso University for 4 years. He 
is not certified to teach History. Dad is 
the principal of Kouts School. That is 
why we live in Kouts. 


We used to live in Valparaiso, but we 
moved because of his job. 


About a year ago, my mom had twin 
girls, Lora and Lila. They get into ev- 
erything, but are fun at times. 

All six of us go to St. Paul’s Lutheran 
Church here in Kouts. | am a certified 
member of Ray Nitschke’s Packer Back- 
er club. My mom quilts for our church 
at our new Parish Hall. Mom, Lisa and 
| make ceramics when we get a chance. 

Sara Rommelmann 
Age 11—Kouts School 


PAM ROSENBAUM 


My name is Pam. | am the youngest 
in the family. | have two brothers. My 
mom's name is Gail and my dad’s name 
is Dean. My oldest brother’s name is 
Doug and my youngest brother’s name 
is Jeff. They both like motorcycles. 


We were living here when | was born 
but before that my parents lived in the 
old school house. Then they moved to 
the house we are in now. 

We were at the ocean when all of a 
sudden this big wave came and swept 
me right off my feet and | just about 
drowned. 

Pam Rosenbaum 
Kouts School 
Grade 5B 


ROSEBERRY FAMILY 


Robert Bruce Roseberry was born at 
Leetart, West Virginia, September 7, 
1860 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. 
William H. Roseberry. He married Vir- 
ginia Roberts who was the daughter of 
Calvin and Elizabeth Roberts, born in 
Mason County, West Virginia in the year 
1866. They were united in marriage in 
1886. To this family were born four 
sons, one of which was Ronald Earl 
Roseberry. Robert Bruce, the father, 
died in 1900 and the mother married 
W. H. Swixher. 

Ronald Earl Roseberry was born at 
Beal, West Virginia on December 1, 
1887 and was a farmer near Boone 
Grove, Indiana. On February 27, 1913 
in Boone Grove, he married Bessie Vine 
Shreve. To this union was born one 
son, Max Duane Roseberry. Ronald Earl 
passed away on January 13, 1970 and 
Bessie Vine on December 11, 1962. 


MAX DUANE ROSEBERRY 


Max Duane Roseberry was born on 
July 7, 1920 in Porter County and grad- 
uated in 1938 from the Boone Grove 
High School. He farmed with his father 
for a number of years. He also man- 
aged Borden Dairy of Hebron for some 
years until the unit was closed. Since 
that time he has served as a deputy 
sheriff of Porter County and as a secur- 
ity officer at the Bridge Vu Theater. 
On January 31, 1942 he married Del- 
tha Maudette Johnston in LaPorte, In- 
diana. She was born on March 26, 
1923 in Valparaiso, Indiana. They are 
the parents of five boys and two girls. 

David Bruce Roseberry—April 23, 

1943—Truck dispatcher for Wan- 

atah Trucking 

Roger Duane Roseberry—July 16, 

1944—kKilled in Viet Nam March 

21, 1967. 

Dennis Scott Roseberry—Novem- 


ber 19, 1945—Works in construc- 
tion. 

Cynthia Sue Roseberry — August 
11, 1947—-Employed as a sec- 
retary. 

Marlin Kent Roseberry—March 8, 
1951—Employed in security at 
Bethlehem Steel. Student at Pur- 
due North West. 

Melody Ann Roseberry—July 25, 
1957 — Student at Purdue West 
Lafayette. 

Robin Johnston Roseberry — No- 
vember 27, 1960—High School 
Student at Hebron High School. 


MOX GRISE RUGE 


Mox Grise Ruge, Attorney at Law 
(1907-1967) 

Mox Grise Ruge was the eldest son 
of five children all of which were born 
in Valparaiso, Indiana to Dr. Marx Ruge 
of Valparaiso (1877-1944) and Nellie 
Grise Ruge of Mishawaka, Indiana 
(1882-1959). A brother, Harry Wil- 
liam Ruge, was born in 1909 and mar- 
ried Victoria Sierman in 1943. A son, 
Robert, was born in 1952. The Harry 
Ruge family resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Major Robert Franklin Ruge was born 
in 1914 and died in 1944 in the service 
of the United States Marine Corps. He 
was a graduate of Annapolis Military 
Academy. 


Pauline Ruge Giles was born in 1916, 
resides in Valparaiso and is engaged in 
the Real Estate business in Valparaiso. 
Pauline’s son, Robert Eugene Giles, was 
born in 1951, is a graduate of Hanover 
College and is employed with Sears & 
Roebuck Company in Columbus, Ohio, 
where he resides. 

John Wallace Ruge was born in 1918, 
graduated from Valparaiso University 
School of Law in 1943 and served as 
Porter County Clerk 16 years and as 
City Judge for two years. John is the 
father of Susan Lynn Ruge, born 1956 
in Valparaiso, and John Robert Ruge, 
born 1957, also in Valparaiso. 

Mox Grise Ruge, born December 7, 
1907, practiced law in Chesterton, In- 
diana from 1932 to 1967. He served 
as Porter County Attorney from 1943 
to 1967. He was President of the First 
State Bank of Porter, also President of 
the Chesterton Rural Loan and Savings 
Association. He was a member of the 
Porter County Bar Association, Valpa- 


raiso Country Club, and various other 
organizations .On May 19, 1936 Mox 
married Ann Fitzgerald, who was born 
February 10, 1916 in Valparaiso, Indi- 
ana. Ann is on the board of directors of 
the First State Bank of Porter and holds 
the office of Executive Vice President of 
the First State Bank of Porter. Ann is 
also a well known artist, and is author 
of ‘Thought For Today’”’ which has been 
published in the Chesterton Tribune 
since 1960. Because of her career 
achievement Ann is in ‘‘Who’s Who in 
Women of America.’’ She has been an 
active member of Alpha Rho Chapter of 
Delta Theta Law Sorority since 1937 
and is a member of St. Patrick Church 
in Chesterton. 


Mox Grise Ruge and Ann Fitzgerald 
Ruge are the parents of 4 children, born 
in Chesterton, Indiana. Mark Fitzgerald 
Ruge was born October 10, 1937 and 
is employed with National Can Com- 
pany in Gary, Indiana. He married Dawn 
Duncan of Valparaiso in 1957 and they 
reside at Burns Harbor, and are the 
parents of eight children—Kimberly 
Ann born 1958, Pamela Rae born 1959, 
Gwen Arlene born 1960, Mox Allan born 
1962, Dawn Kathleen born 1964, Su- 
zanne born 1965, Jacqueline born 
1966, and Jason born 1976. 


James David Ruge, second son of 
Mox and Ann Ruge, was born on May 
17, 1940 and has been President of the 
First State Bank of Porter since 1971. 
He has been on the board of directors 
of the First State Bank of Porter since 
1964. He is actively interested in hor- 
ticulture and landscaped the Thomas 
Memorial Library of Porter, Indiana, in 
1975. 

Thomas Robert Ruge, third son of 
Mox and Ann Ruge, was born March 30, 
1949 and in 1973 was married to 
Shawn Rosscup of North Dakota, born 
January 28, 1951. Thomas attended 
Culver Military Academy five summers. 
He is a graduate of Indiana University. 
He graduated from the School of Law 
of Valparaiso University in May of 
1976. Thomas's wife, Shawn Ruge, is 
also a graduate of Indiana University 
and is a student at the Valparaiso Uni- 
versity School of Law and will graduate 
in May 1977. . 

Kathleen Ann Ruge Scott, daughter 
of Mox and Ann Ruge, was born May 
18, 1950, attended St. Mary’s College 
of Notre Dame and in 1970 married 


Paul Charles Scott, born June 16, 1949 
in Rochester, New York. Paul is a grad- 
uate of the University of Notre Dame 
and of Syracuse University. Paul is 
presently employed with the Monroe De- 
velopmental Center of Rochester, New 
York. Kathleen and Paul Scott are the 
parents of one daughter, Meg Amanda, 
age 5 years. The Scott family resides 
in Fairport, New York. 


JOHN COLLYN SAIDLA & 
FAMILY 


John Collyn Saidla was born in Dar- 
lington, Ind., Sept. 28, 1901 to Byrd 
Saidla and Leota Hiatt Saidla. He mar- 
ried Mildred L. Easley July 12, 1922. 
She was born in New Market, Ind., to 
Charles W. Easley and Nancy Evelyn 
Buser Easley, April 5, 1905. 

They went to LaPorte, Ind., two weeks 
after their wedding. There their three 
children were born, Collyn Jr. in 1923, 
lla Joan in 1928 and Charles Byrdell in 
1932. 

John and Mildred started their ma- 
chine shop about 1935 in LaPorte but 
it soon outgrew its building, so in July 
1939 they bought the old China factory 
building in Chesterton. For 18 years 
the $140,000 China Factory stood idle 
before it was purchased by them. The 
main floor of the principal building was 
converted to their machine shop (Atlas 
Manufacturing Co). They employed 30 
persons. Mildred worked along with 
John as a screw machine operator and 
delivery man. 

The plant specialized in the manu- 
facture of intricate metal parts that 
required the work of highly skilled ma- 
chinists. Every other day they shipped 
6,000 small metal pins to a Detroit 
auto plant for use in starters. They also 
produced an oil filter which was used 
on the engine of the Queen Mary. They 


also manufactured tripods and attach- 
ments for the manufacture of photog- 
raphers’ supplies. 

Always interested in the advance- 
ment of youth, they built a roller skat- 
ing rink (Atlas Roller Rink) on the up- 
per floor. 

In 1942 they installed their own 
diesel electric plant and 24 hours a day 
they engaged in defense work that 
turned out many screw products for 
construction of battleships, submar- 
ines, tanks and airplanes. 

The front west end of the building 
was made into their 8 room apartment. 

John and son, Collyn Jr., were flying 
members of the Civil Air Patrol. Jr. 
crashed in their plane in a corn field in 
Liberty Township and was killed Oct. 3, 
1942. That same month John and Mil- 
dred sold the factory and building and 
moved their family to 130 Lincoln Ave. 


Their next rink, from 1943 to 1946, 
was in what is now the west side of the 
Ben Franklin Store. There John started 
his Photography Studio. 

In 1946 they built their new Atlas 
Roller Rink at 880 Indiana Ave. with the 
large Studio and the 12 unit apartments 
along 9th St., finishing the apartments 
in 1947. 

On Oct. 18, 1947 lla Joan, known as 
Jo, married Dallas B. Summers, known 
as Jonny. They have two children, Col- 
lyn Burtus and Julie K. Collyn B. mar- 
ried Justina Catherine Styonavich, they 
have a son, Steven Michael Wayne. Ju- 
lie married E. Edward Esgate, they have 
a daughter, Sara Dawn. 

Charles B. went into the Air Force in 
1949. While stationed in California he 
married Bernardine Sieple, they had 3 
children, Judy Ann, 1953, Donald Jay, 
1955, and Sharan Marie, 1956. Charles 
divorced Bernardine and later remar- 
ried. He now lives in Los Angeles, 
Calif., with his wife, Rita D. Flandora, 
and son John Charles, 1965. 


In the years between 1946 to 1964 
John and Mildred operated their studio 
and rink. They sold and serviced Halli- 
crafter TVs and appliances. The studio 
also housed John’s ham radio station 
W9ONHA. He had worked in ham radio 
for over 50 years. He belonged to the 
radio clubs in LaPorte, Chesterton, and 
Valparaiso. 

In 1959 John attended the John Her- 
ron Art School, Indianapolis, Ind. He 
became a noted ceramist and had a 


153 


154 


large hobby and craft shop in with the 
photographic studio where he taught 
many people who came from all over 
the United States and Canada. He held 
many different kinds of arts and crafts 
classes for local youth and surrounding 
cities. John belonged to the Knights of 
Pythias Lodge in LaPorte, later moved 
his membership to the Chesterton 
Lodge. 

In 1956 John and Mildred moved 
into the No. 1 apartment, as the house 
on Lincoln Ave. was just too large for 
just the two of them. About 1944 they 
bought a cottage in Monticello, Ind. 
Mildred still owns it. 

On Sept. 11, 1964, John died of 
cancer. In 1965 Mildred sold the rink 


and in 1973 she sold the apartments. 
The studio had been sold at John’s 
death. Mildred still lives in apartment 
No. 1, 127 So. 9th St., Chesterton, Ind. 
Submitted by Mrs. Mildred L. Saidla 

a : 


An 


THE SALZER FAMILY 


Jacob Salzer, German immigrant, 
came to Chicago before the Civil War 
and married Jennie Armitage, daughter 
of John Armitage (descendant of Sir 
Robert Armitage, relative and sword- 
bearer to King William | of England), 
one of Chicago’s first brick contractors. 
Salzer’s home and shoe store were de- 
stroyed in the Chicago fire. Their son, 
Edward, was born (1872-1951) soon 
after the couple’s relocation in Roches- 
ter, N.Y: 

While visiting in Indiana Edward met 
and married Edwina Hamann. Though 
apprenticed as an undertaker, he took 
up farming. Unsuccessful, he became 
a salesman for an English china firm, 
which demanded traveling to various 
cities and to England and Argentina. 
Later he made sign-painting and bur- 
nishing, undertaking, and accounting 
his business until his death at his son’s 
home. 


Meanwhile Edwina and her two chil- 
dren had lived with her parents and 
later kept house for her widowed broth- 
er William. In 1918 she and daughter 
Mabelle (1895-) purchased a_ small 
property south of Kouts. Edwina de- 
signed the new house (now owned by 
Mrs. Dorothy Anderson) and_land- 
scaped the yard. 


Mabelle attended elementary schools 
at Stowell, Wilder, Chicago and Cincin- 
nati. She has lived in Kouts since 1910 
where she attended Lutheran parochial 
school. After K.H.S. graduation in 
1915 she attended the original Valpa- 
raiso College, Valparaiso Lutheran U., 
extension classes from Ball State and 
Indiana U., and received her B.S. de- 
gree from Indiana State Teachers’ Col- 
lege. She taught all 8 grades plus do- 
mestic science, agriculture and art at 
Stowell (3 years) and Five Points (2 
years), substituted and taught second 
grade at Kouts for over 181, years. 


At 80, she completed her 20th year 
as Lutheran Sunday School teacher; is 
a member of the American Legion Aux- 
iliary since its organization; belongs to 
the General, Indiana, Porter County and 
Kouts Federation of Women’s Clubs and 
is active in various community and 
church affairs. She paints pictures and 
won the Pleasant Township Bicentennial 
emblem contest award as Parade Grand 
Marshal. She is presently writing a 
novel on man’s self-destruction. She 
married Emil Hofferth in 1920. Their 
one daughter, Estrella (Mrs. Franklin 
Rosenbaum) attended South Bend Busi- 
ness College after K.H.S. graduation 
and became a legal secretary, presently 
employed at A.M. General Motors. Son, 
Franklin Jr., is a Captain in the U.S. 
Air Force. Carol (Mrs. Dr. Kenneth 
Wendell), Purdue Masters graduate, is 
teaching Home Economics and John is 
a 2-year Purdue student. 


Mrs. Salzer’s son, William, was born 
in Cincinnati (1906-). After K.H.S. 
graduation he became a carpenter with 
Desilver Lyon and was a trim carpenter 
on the new school (1936). Subse- 
quently he was employed by Smith- 
Nuppnau where he was promoted to 
construction superintendent, contribut- 
ing his skill to many buildings in Kouts 
and Valparaiso besides his own and 
sons’ homes. He served as Kouts Town 
Clerk-Treasurer for 18 years, town trus- 
tee for four years and Pleasant Twp. 


trustee for 8 years during which time 
the first elementary school addition was 
constructed. In 1930 he married Crys- 
tal Schroeder. Their two sons are 
K.H.S. graduates. Bill, Jr. (m. Vivian 
Johnston) is a ready-mix driver for 
Smith Nuppnau. He has two daughters, 
Colleen and Christi. Tom (m. Mary 
Bogan) has a son, Tom, and twin daugh- 
ters, Caroline and Catherine. He is em- 
ployed as an automatic turret lathe op- 
erator at Urschel Laboratories. 


RAYMOND AND ANN 
SAMPSON 


Raymond and Anne Sampson moved 
to Porter County in December 1945, 
after leaving Washington, D. C., where 
both had worked for the U. S. Govern- 
ment during wartime. They and their 
daughter, Carol Ann, who had been born 
in 1942 in Washington, first lived on 
Shore Avenue in Beverly Shores. They 
soon moved to Peterson Avenue in Bev- 
erly Shores, and after living there sev- 
eral months, they began looking for a 
homesite on which to build. They were 
especially looking for property with 
good water, and were happy to find 
some such acreage on U.S. Highway 12. 

The property was being held by Por- 
ter County, however, for unpaid pauper 
funeral bill of Andrew Anderson, who 
purchased the land in the 1800's. After 
checking with the proper county offi- 
cials, the Sampsons found that the land 
they wanted to buy had not been adver- 
tised for sale by the county because it 
was thought ‘‘no one would want it’. 
The Sampsons did, however, and after 
completion of the necessary public ad- 
vertising through Attorney Mox Ruge 
the only bid received was from the 
Sampsons, was accepted and the prop- 
erty was theirs. 

They began building the house them- 
selves and moved in when it was only 
partially completed on October 27, 
1946. By then they had two children; 
their son William John had been born 
six months earlier. The Sampsons fin- 
ished their house and cleared much of 
the wooded land for yard and garden.’ 
Their children attended Pine Township 
Consolidated School and Elston Junior 
and Senior High Schools. After being 
graduated from college, both children 
moved from Porter County. Carol now 
resides with her family in Columbus, 
Indiana, and Bill resides with his wife 
in West Lafayette, Indiana. Raymond 


Sampson reired in 1973 from the Mid- 
west Steel Division of National Steel 
Corporation. 


PETER SAMUELSON FAMILY 


One of the pioneer families to come 
to Porter County in the early 1850's 
was the Wistrand Family. They arrived 
in Baillytown from Stockholm, Sweden, 
and settled near the Bailly homestead, 
about one-half mile as the crow flies. 

The Wistrand boys, after being here 
a few years, invited their mother, Kath- 
ern, to come to America and live with 
them on their farm. She did and lived 
there until she died in 1869. She is 
buried in the Burstrom Cemetery in 
Baillytown. 

There are 6 known children in the 
family: Carl Johan, the eldest; August, 
Magnus and Per, who remained in Swe- 
den; Louise, who married Frederick 
Burstrom, and Otilia, who married John 
August Samuelson. 

To Otilia and John August Samuelson 
were born three sons, Frank, born in 
Sweden, and Peter, Charles. 

Peter William Samuelson was born in 
1860 on property one mile north of 
Highway #20, now owned by Bethlehem 
Steel Corp. Peter married Jenny Nel- 
son of Baillytown in 1885. She was the 
daughter of Christina and John Nelson 
who also came from Sweden. They were 
the parents of 13 children. 

Peter and Jenny purchased land and 
built a very small house on it. There 
they encountered the many difficulties 
of the pioneer life. Their entire water 
supply had to be hauled from springs 
in Salt Creek, about a mile from the 
farm house. 

The couple prospered and in 1895, 
the little house was converted into a 
chicken house and a large brick home 
was built, which still stands and is pres- 
ently occupied at 2162 Samuelson 
Road. 

There were 5 children born to this 
union, Joseph, who died in infancy, 
George, the eldest, who passed away in 
1975, Lillian, (Mrs. Rudolph Jannasch), 
who passed away in 1965, Oliver, who 
passed away in 1949 and Pearle, (Mrs. 
Bartley Farry) who resides at 2150 
Samuelson Road. 

Peter Samuelson died in 1943 at age 
83 and Jenny died in 1944 at age 78. 
They are both buried in McCool Ceme- 
tery. 


PAUL SANDKAMP FAMILY 


Paul Sandkamp left Kiel, Germany at 
the age of 17 in 1921 and went to an 
lowa farm to work off his passage, 
which took one year. For another three 
years he worked on farms, lumber 
camps from Minnesota to Kansas, and 
also cut ice on the Mississippi. 

In 1926 he went to Chicago to learn 
a trade, settling on that of a baker and 
chef. He then came to Valparaiso to 
become chef and later chef-manager of 
the food services for the Hotel Lemke 
which was newly owned and operated by 
Julius Dreschoff. 


The Hotel Lemke at that time fea- 
tured French cuisine, was the meeting 
place for fraternities, sororities and 
service clubs of that time. Many a wed- 
ding reception and anniversary party 
lighted up the dining rooms as well as 
special parties such as hunter’s parties 
with the catch prepared by Paul. Sun- 
day dinner after church was also a well- 
attended social habit. During World 
War Il the Army men stationed at VTI 
were fed at the hotel. 


After the war Paul Carmichael owned 
the hotel, made many decorative im- 
provements and kept the hotel in stride 
with the public’s tastes. 

In 1927 Paul married Julia Balogh, 
who came from South Bend with her 
family to work at the hotel. They had 
one daughter, Martha, who was edu- 
cated in local schools, graduated from 
Ball State U. to become a math teacher 
and married Arthur F. Willing. 

After 24 years working at the hotel 
Paul and Julia retired to Ocala, Fla., 
where they owned a small restaurant. 
Julia died in 1954 and Paul in 1956. 

Submitted by M. S. Willing 


HERBERT SCHLEMAN 


William Schleman and Blanche, his 
wife, moved with their three children, 
Herbert, Helen and a younger brother, 
Delos, from Francesville, Pulaski Coun- 
ty, to Valparaiso in the summertime of 
1912. 


Mr. Schleman had been in the har- 
ness and buggy and farm implement 
business and owned ‘‘Gas-well Farm’, 
about a section three miles southwest 
of Francesville, which he operated with 
three tenants. Shortly before he moved 
to Valpo he sold the business and the 


farm and bought the “Breyfogle 
Ranch’’, 800 acres just south of Ayles- 
worth Switch, touching the Kankakee 
River. 


The Schlemans occupied rented 
houses for a short time until the per- 
manent residence on Lafayette Street 
next to Judge Loring’s was built. 

Actively interested in building up the 
farm, Mr. Schleman laid miles of tile 
ditches, built miles of fences, built a 
second set of improvements and em- 
barked upon a crop rotation program to 
enrich the soil. 

Shortly after locating in Valparaiso, 
Mr. Schleman opened a real estate and 
insurance business, later known as the 
Schleman-Morton Company, and rapidly 
the company became a leader in the 
field. 

Frank Morton from Minnesota was a 
young man at the University. His widow 
still lives in Valparaiso. 

Mr. Schleman learned about the 
$1.00 down—$1.00 per week”’ plan, a 


plan for selling building lots used in - 


other cities, and he introduced the plan 
in Valpo with considerable success. 

However, the real interest of Mr. 
Schleman lay in land development and 
from the new office on Washington and 
Jefferson Street, he opened Mcintyre 
Court Subdivision, City View Addition, 
the Pines on U.S. 12 near Michigan 
City, and then the great pride, Forest 
Park, a subdivision of many wooded 
home sites surrounding a 7-hole golf 
course, gradually expanded to 9. The 
course was eventually given by Mr. and 
Mrs. Schleman to Valparaiso as a Mu- 
nicipal Golf Course. 

The Pines made a town near Michi- 
gan City on the Dunes Highway (U.S. 
12). Parenthetically, the Pines offered 
Herbert Schleman his first opportunity 
and challenge as a real estate sales- 
man. In partnership with Mr. A. R. 
Hardesty, they contracted to sell the 
Pines, opened an office in the Spauld- 
ing Hotel, used a strong advertising 
campaign, worked mighty hard and 
scored a big success. The start of the 
Pines was very interesting. Mr. and 
Mrs. Joers, a very elderly couple, owned 
the land and were selling it to Mr. 
Schleman. The purchase contract was 
all drawn, price for the 180 acres in 
quite a few thousands of dollars agreed 
upon, but just one thing—the money 
was to be paid all in cash. So Mr. 


155 


156 


Schleman drove out to the Dunes High- 
way one night with a market basket full 
of money. His family breathed easier 
upon his safe return. 

The Schlemans were active in the 
Methodist Church, Mr. Schleman was 
on the official board and was successful 
in raising money from the other mem- 
bers too. Mrs. Schleman was active in 
her Circle and every Sunday morning 
from Spring until Fall brought one or 
two bouquets for the altar from her 
garden in Forest Park. The children 
were members of the younger one’s. 

Generally civic minded Mr. Schleman 
was largely instrumental in the organiz- 
ing and financing of the new Y.M.C.A., 
and organizer and Charter Member of 
the Rotary Club. 

Of the children, the youngest, Delos, 
died of a heart problem at age 18. He 
was a tall, lanky boy, a good student, 
but a better golfer. 

His sister Helen took her Master’s 
Degree at Wellesley, was Dean of Wom- 
en at Purdue for 25 years, is retired, 
and lives in a beautiful home in Lafay- 
ette. Shortly after her retirement she 
was awarded three honorary Doctors 
Degrees, two from Purdue and one from 
Valparaiso University. 

The son Herbert is married and has 
four children and 10 grandchildren, 
lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, since 
1938 and is modestly engaged in the 
land development business there. He 
married the daughter, Marian, of the 
Reverend and Mrs. George Livingstone, 
who was a Baptist minister for many 
years. Marian has been a leader of 
women’s work in the Methodist Church 
in St. Petersburg and until recently led 
an interesting social life. 

Mr. Schleman died in 1957 at age 
84, followed by Mrs. Schleman’s death 
in 1963 at age 88. 

No Schleman is left in Valparaiso, 
but many friends are still there. The 
business affairs are all closed. The 
Forest Park and Forest Park Golf Course 
remain as true monuments to a family 
that moved there from Francesville 64 
years ago. 


SCHMIDT FAMILY 


Martin E. Schmidt Jr. 
Fuller Schmidt and Family. 
1, Martin, was born and raised on 
the land on which | now live, it was 
bought by my grandparents (Adolph 


and Clara 


and Amelia Schmidt) in 1909 when 
they came from Germany. There my 
father (Martin Sr.) and his brothers 
grew up. My father met and married 
Alvera Weidman (my mother); | was 6 
months old when the influenza epi- 
demic of 1918 took my mother. My 
grandmother then raised me until she 
died, | continued to work on the farm 
and out besides. While working at the 
wheelbarrel (The Anderson Co.) in Ches- 
terton | met and married my wife (Clara 
Fuller). Shortly after our marriage | 
went to work for NIPSCO and have been 
there ever since. My wife and | are both 
lifetime residents of the county. She is 
the daughter of Henry A. Fuller and 
Ruth Tuttle Fuller, both lifetime resi- 
dents of the area. They passed away 
last year after living here some eighty 
years. 

We have three children: Emily, Ed- 
ward and Fredrick Jon; all live in the 
area. Emily is married to Charles A. 
Johnson Jr. (the son of Charles A. Sr., 
a lifetime resident and farmer of this 
area) also two children, Diane Lynn, 5, 
and Charles E., 3. They live in Chester- 
ton. Edward has built his house on 
1050 N. Rd., next to us. Fredrick J. is 
presently living in Chesterton but is 
working on his home off Friday Rd., 
next to his brothers. He married Teri 
Lambert (the daughter of Peg Lambert 
and the late Mr. Lambert). They have 
two children, Kelly Lee, 3, and Christo- 
pher Jon, 1. 

Here is a little history. There is a 
railroad crossing east of Chesterton 
named FULLER’S crossing after the 
late John B. Fuller, my wife’s grand- 
father. We have all lived our lives in 
this county and seen it grow and been 
very happy we were a part of it. This 
is our home and we are proud of it. 
Thank you. 


JOHN R. SCHNURLEIN FAMILY 


My great-grandfather, George 
Schnurlein, was born in New Strauss- 
burg, Germany, in 1841. He came to 
the United States in approximately 
1850 and settled with relatives near 
Crete, Illinois. George became a farm- 
er and also a traveling blacksmith. He 
moved to what was long called the 
Schnurlein Farm between Lowell and 
Crown Point where he and my great- 
grandmother (Maria) raised four chil- 
dren. 


My grandfather, William Schnurlein, 
and my grandmother (Ida Schwuchow) 
moved to an adjacent farm where they 
raised three children. William was a 
member of the Center Township Advis- 
ory Board. He and my great uncles all 
enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. 
They supplemented their farm income 
and food supply in this manner. My 
grandfather and father both told me of 
many enjoyable days spent along the 
old Kankakee River at the family camp 
near Schneider. Some of my own most 
pleasant childhood memories are of — 
similar pursuits near Lake Dale Carlia, 
only a mile from the farm and one of 
Indiana's first man-made lakes. Before 
the dam was put in in 1928, my grand- 
father used to farm the land. My father 
recalls having some of his traps cov- 
ered and lost as the water filled the 
new lake. 


My father, Roger Schnurlein, gradu- 
ated from C.P.H.S. in 1922 and Purdue 
ir. 1926 with a degree in Mechanical 
Engineering. He served as a Crown 
Point volunteer fireman, City Council- 
man, president and district governor of 
Kiwanis, and is an Indiana Real Es- 
tate Broker, having earlier owned his 
own plumbing and heating business. 
He and my mother (Estelle Stolberg 
from Lowell) were married in 1927. 
They were Worthy Matron and Patron 
of the Eastern Star Lodge in C.P. in 
1941. Dad is a past master of Lake 
Lodge #157 F. & A. M. of Crown Point 
and | also belong to this Lodge. 


| graduated from Crown Point H.S. 
in 1948 and received a marketing de- 
gree from Indiana University in 1952, 
the same year | married the former 
Joan Merrill from Indianapolis. Her 
family was originally from Frankfort, 
where her grandfather was president of 
the Clinton Co. Bank. Her father, Fred, 
is an Indianapolis C.P.A. Fred and 
Joan’s mother (Ruth) live on the north 
side of Indianapolis as do her brother 
Tom and sister Judy, now Mrs. Max 
Williams. Joan attended Indiana Uni- 
versity two years and we both are li- 
censed Indiana Real Estate salesmen, 
having studied at Purdue and Indiana. 
We have two children, Mrs. Kurt Frey 
(Ruth) and David, presently a junior at 
Purdue University. Kurt, originally from 
Lansing, Illinois, is a graduate of Val- 
paraiso University. Ruthie attended 
Vincennes University. We've lived in 
Porter County 20 years. We owned and 


managed Schnurlein’s Hardware in 
Kouts for six years, then served as 
sales promotion and credit manager for 
Heinold Elevator Company, Inc. for an- 
other six years. I’ve been Director of 
Marketing at Northern Indiana Bank 
and Trust Company since 1968. I've 
been active in the Kouts and Valparaiso 
Chambers of Commerce, The Porter 
County United Way, N/W_ Regional 
Planning Commission, Indiana Dunes 
National Lakeshore Advisory Commis- 
sion, Indiana Bankers Association and 
currently I'm serving as a Valparaiso 
City Councilman-At-Large. 

It was my pleasure to serve as pub- 
licity chairman for the Kouts Centen- 
nial Celebration in 1965 and also chair- 
man for the Northern Indiana Bank 
Centennial in 1973 and 1974. Written 
reports on both events are in the public 
library. I’ve also enjoyed serving as 
Treasurer of the American Revolution 
Bicentennial Committee of Porter 
County and have had the pleasant op- 
portunity of meeting with many Porter 
County citizens and groups, young and 
old, who are interested in our Porter 
County and N/W Indiana heritage. | 
close this family history with the 
thought with which | opened many of 
these meetings. The U.S.A. is indeed 
a very young nation. My son has wit- 
nessed 10% of its history, I've seen 
23%, my father 36%. The Schnurlein 
family has been here for 63%. On be- 
half of our five generations, Happy 
Birthday, America . . . you’ve given 
us a lot of opportunity. We pray that 
these opportunities continue for anoth- 
er 200 years! 


WILLIAM JOHN AND 
ELIZABETH (BETTY) A. 


SCHROEDER 

William John and Elizabeth (Betty) 
A. Schroeder were married October 21, 
1958. Bill’s parents, William A. and 
Melba A. (Wood) Schroeder, were born 
and raised in Porter County. Bill was 
born March 16, 1941 in Valparaiso. He 
attended Valparaiso grade schools and 
Valparaiso High School. He is active in 
YMCA and Indian Guides and he is a 
member of Valparaiso Elks Lodge. 

Betty’s parents, David M. and Mar- 
jorie L. (Fulton) Hill, were also born 
and raised in Porter County. Betty was 
born August 11, 1943. She attended 
Flint Lake grade school, Central Junior 
High and Valparaiso High School. Both 


graduated from Portage High School. 
She is a member of Beta Sigma Phi 
Sorority. 

We have four children, two daugh- 
ters and two sons. Terri Lynn, born 
May 13, 1959, is a junior at Valparaiso 
High School. Patricia Jean, born De- 
cember 2, 1960, is a sophomore at Val- 
paraiso High School. Robert Allen, born 
October 13, 1962, is an 8th grader at 
Thomas Jefferson Jr. High. Thomas 
John, born November 7, 1963, is a 
7th grader at Thomas Jefferson Jr. 
High. 

We have lived at our present address 
in Valparaiso for 16 years and enjoy 
the area. 

Bill worked for Youngstown Sheet 
and Tube from 1959 to 1966 as an 
electrician until his father’s death. He 
then went into the family business 
(Schroeder’s Dairy Queen), in partner- 
ship with his mother. In 1967 the 


business was relocated to the east end 
of Valparaiso. Then in 1972 we pur- 
chased the Dairy Queen and are now 
owner /operators. 


¥; 


liens dhs Scienaden Family 
BRADD M. SCHULTZ 


My name is Bradd M. Schultz. | am 
10 years old. | have a sister in the 
10th grade. She is 16 years old, and 
her name is Lori M. Schultz, and | have 
a brother in kindergarten. He is 5 years 
old and his name is Scott D. Schultz. 
My dad’s name is Val R. Schultz and 
my mom's name is Janice R. Schultz. 

My mom and dad were born and 
raised. We have lived in town for 11 
years and then we moved out in the 
country about 3 miles out of Kouts. 

We have 14 pets. We have 3 acres 
of land and we have a brick house and 
a basement. 


SCHWINKENDORF 


Frederick and Wilhime (Minnie) 
Schwinkendorf came to America from 
Germany in the mid-1800’s. They set- 


tled in Valparaiso where he was able to 
get work. In the year of 1872 he bought 
a farm in Washington Township in Por- 
ter County. 


The property dates back to 1832 
when it was occupied by the warriors 
and chiefs of the Potowatomie Indian 
tribe with Chief Kisis Shadona as lead- 
er. The land grant was given to the 
Potowatomies and agreed to under a 
treaty signed by U. S. President James 
K. Polk. The Chief Shadona died about 
1838, so the land was handed down to 
his brothers and sisters. They eventu- 
ally sold to the white man about 1865. 
It may be interesting to note that the 
interest rate at that time was 10%. 
Through the years, even to this day, 
arrowheads, beads and relics are still 
being plowed up each spring. 

It wasn’t long after Frederick and his 
wife became citizens of this great coun- 
try that he became very civic minded 
and his interest in politics resulted in 
his being assigned to Supervisor of 
Roads. They were members of Imman- 
uel Lutheran Church. Three children 
were born to them, but only one son, 
Fred W., survived. 


Fred W. married Caroline Lindeman 
about 1890. Walking in his father’s 
footsteps, he, too, became politically 
minded and was elected Township 
Trustee. 


Fred W. and his wife had 5 sons and 
3 daughters, Laura, Ernest, Louis, Ar- 
thur, Hulda, Earl, Howard and Grace. 
In 1916 Fred W. and his Caroline inher- 
ited the family farm in Washington 
Township, which was across the road 
from their home. Caroline died March, 
1929; Fred W. died September, 1943. 


In 1944 their son, Howard, bought 
said farm from the rest of the heirs. He 
had 4 children, Karen, Richard, Laura 
Mae and Edward. 


Howard, his brothers and sisters at- 
tended Washington Township School, 
as did his 4 children, and now three 
grandchildren, which makes the 3rd 
generation at the same school. 


Howard became interested in politics 
and civic developments and in May, 
1954, was chosen Democratic County 
Chairman of Porter County. He held 
that office until May, 1960. He and his 
wife, Dorothy, still reside on part of 
the family farm. They both retired from 
Indiana General in 1973. They are en- 


157 


158 


joying their home, hobbies and garden- 
ing and the wonderful nature and wild 
life that surrounds them daily. 

Howard’s son, Edward, and wife, 
Rosemary, and their 4 children reside 
close by on another part of the family 
farm. 

With hope and good luck this area 
may be blessed with a 5th or 6th gen- 
eration of Schwinkendorfs . . . .God 
willing. 


THE FAMILY OF AMERICO 
JOSEPH SEMENTO, JR. 


Americo Joseph Semento, Jr., is the 
son of Americo Joseph Sr. and the late 
Theresa Semento. The senior Semen- 
tos, who were born in Italy, moved from 
Chicago to Valparaiso in 1920 to es- 
cape the Mafia. Americo and Theresa 
first operated a clothing and fur tailor- 
ing store where the present J. C. Pen- 
ney store is located. They also pur- 
chased land for a farm. 1939 opened 
their restaurant on U.S. 30, which is 
still operating. Americo Sr. is at pres- 
ent the oldest living merchant in Val- 
paraiso. 

Americo Joseph Jr. (‘‘Joe’’) was born 
October 9, 1926, in Valparaiso, where 
he graduated from St. Paul’s School 
and Valparaiso High School. While serv- 
ing in the U. S. Navy during World War 
Il, he used the tailoring skills learned 
from his father. After an honorable dis- 
charge, he built and operated the Villa 
Court Motel on U. S. 30 adjoining his 
father’s restaurant. He also helped to 
operate the family business. 

Later, Joe moved to Los Angeles 
where he owned and operated a dry 
cleaning establishment in 1953 and 
1954. There he met Delia Haro, whom 
he married in Valparaiso on January 15, 
1955. Shortly after their marriage, Joe 


and Delia purchased land for their own 
farm and Joe worked for several years 
at Indiana General. Delia became em- 
ployed at Porter Memoria! Hospital, 
where she has worked ever since. 


At present, Joe Jr. is a partner with 
his father, brother and three sisters in 
‘“‘Semento, Inc.,’’ which operates the 
restaurant, motel and farm on U. S. 30. 
Joe and Delia also maintain their sepa- 
rate small farm along with several home 
rentals. Recently they acquired and re- 
built Baum’s Bridge Inn near Kouts. 
The landmark site of the Inn at Baum’s 
Bridge, which was built in 1863 to re- 
place Etons Ferry of 1836, is that of an 
old Indian trail and post. 


On March 28, 1956, a son named 
Americo Joseph Semento, III, was born 
to Joe Jr. and Delia at Porter Memorial 
Hospital. In 1973 Americo Joseph Ill 
(‘Joe Ill’’) married Robin Stalbaum, 
who was born in Valparaiso on April 1, 
1956. The Stalbaum family has resided 
in Porter County for several genera- 
tions. Joe Ill owns and operates the 
Semento Construction firm in Valpar- 
aiso. A half-brother, Harry James Sem- 
ento, is also employed with the firm. 


Americo Joseph IV (‘‘Rico’’) was born 
on September 24, 1973, to Joe Ill and 
Robin, becoming the fourth generation 
of the Semento family in Valparaiso. 
The accompanying photo of the four 
generations was taken August 13, 1974, 
at the annual picnic at the farm of Jo- 
seph Jr., held to celebrate the birthday 
of his father. At the time of this photo, 
Americo Joseph Sr. was 81 years old. 


BRIEF HISTORY OF SHADE 
FAMILY 


Through records and a family Bible 
the first record of the Shades was Sam- 
uel Shade, who was born in 1838 in 
Pennsylvania. He met and married 
Elizabeth Burthaimer from Ohio, on 
August 13, 1862 in Middle Indiana. 
They then moved to Canada where their 
first son was born, Daniel Shade 1864. 
1867 Amos Shade was born in Alen 
County, Indiana, who died in Valpo in 
1901 from a fever. Records show in 
1869 Samuel Shade was born in Valpa- 
raiso, Ind., he died 14 days later. Other 
children were Mary Shade 1870, Nellia 
Shade 1873 (she married George Le- 
pell); William Shade 1875, he died 1 
year and 14 days later. Amanda Shade 
in 1878, who later married Al Amberg, 


a rich tobacco store owner. George 
Shade in 1880, moved to Hammond 
and later died. Charles Shade in 1883, 
he died in Valparaiso in 1973, who was 
the last to survive. Samuel Shade, 
father of these people, became a well- 
known contractor thru his life in Val- 
paraiso. He contracted such buildings 
as the old Court House, the old Catholic 
Church and the old jail, where his name 
is on the cornerstone today. Also many 
private homes of prominent residents. 


BRIAN SHUTSKE 


My name is Brian Shutske. | live in 
Kouts and | go to Kouts school. I’m 
eleven and | have two brothers and one 
sister. My oldest brother, Larry, is 
twenty seven and works at Ammco, in 
Glenn Park. My sister, Linda, is twenty 
four and works at Saint Augustine 
School in Renssalear. My older broth- 
er, Jeff, is twenty and goes to Ball State 
University. My dad is fifty and he’s a 
farmer. My mom is fifty one and she’s 
a housewife. 


My great grandfather moved from 
Chicago to Kouts to become a farmer. 
My grandfather and father were born 
and raised in Kouts. 


Around 1921 my grandfather and 
three great uncles owned a general 
store for two years. My father was on 
the Kouts school Advisory Board for 
twelve years. 


DONALD SHIRER FAMILY 


Donald Leroy (5/10/31) and Karen 
Kent (5/18/35) Shirer moved to Val- 
paraiso in August 1957 as bride and 
groom, coming from Columbus, Ohio. 
We lived upstairs at 605 N. College in 
the home owned by Mrs. Maude Fill- 
wock. Our first home, 1309 Fairlane 
Avenue, was built in 1959 and we 
moved there with a new baby, Erin 
Scott (5/20/59). Two other sons were 
soon added—tLee Austin (5/26/60) 
and Kevin Kent (10/18/62). We moved 
in 1967 to the home designed and built 
by L. Oliver Graebner, former V.U. psy- 
chology department chairman, at 23 
Martinal Road. 


Donald, who is professor of physics 
at Valparaiso University, has also 
worked for Argonne National Laboratory 
(Z G S project) and for the University 


of Illinois (educational consultant to 
PLATO computer project). He has been 
active in Community Theatre Guild: de- 
signed the light control board for the 
Porter County Memorial Opera House, 
directed the QGuild’s first musical, 
“Once Upon a Mattress,’’ acted in sev- 
eral productions and is author of ‘‘Look- 
ing Glass Land,” a musical based upon 
Lewis Carroll. 

Karen, who has served as organist 
for Faith Lutheran Church and choir di- 
rector of First United Methodist, Valpa- 
raiso, iS a professional musician and 
teacher. Music is one of the favorite 
hobbies of the entire family. The boys 
have been active in drama productions, 
music groups, a bicycle repair shop and 
tennis. 


ELLEN MARIE (SHOOK) AND 
CHARLES JOSEPH FORBES 


Ellen Marie Shook was born August 
20, 1915, Barkley Twp., Jasper Co., 
Ind., the daughter of William Addison 
Shook and Mary (Florence) Shook, both 
born Barkley Twp. Her grandfather, 
William Shook, and his father, Jacob 
Shook, were born in Virginia, migrating 
to Ohio, mid 1840's. William Shook 
came to Jasper Co. in 1860, marrying 
Margaret Dawson, born in that county, 
daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Daw- 
son. Mary (Florence) Shook was the 
daughter of Isaiah Florence, born Madi- 
son Co., Ohio, coming to Indiana with 
his parents, Obed and Eleanor (Hunt) 
Florence; their Florence, Hunt, Hill, 
Sleeper, and Burrough ancestors were 
early and mid-18th century residents of 
Virginia and Ohio. Isaiah Florence mar- 
ried Rhoda Ellen Williams, born Barkley 
Twp., daughter of William O. Williams 
and Margaret (Mackey) Williams, both 
born in Kentucky, married Johnson 
County, Indiana; they settled in Barkley 
Twp., in 1850. Margaret Williams was 
the daughter of David Mackey, born in 
Ireland, and Ellen, born in Kentucky. 

The William Addison Shook family 
moved to Porter Co., February 1917. 
Ellen Marie Shook graduated from 
Wheeler High, 1933; in 1938 she and 
her parents moved to Valparaiso, where 
she was a secretary in real estate and 
insurance offices. May 20, 1949, in 
Valparaiso, she married Charles Joseph 
Forbes, born June 1, 1912, Waukegan, 
lll., son of Harry Bremer Forbes, whose 


Forbes and Bremer ancestries were 
early settlers in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. 
His ancestor Conrad Bremer was a Hes- 
Sian who served in Washington’s Army. 
Harry Forbes married Margueretta Mary 
O’Connor, born Milwaukee, daughter of 
John O'Connor, city fireman, and Mary 
(Connors) O'Connor; both were de- 
scendants of Irish immigrants. Charles 
Forbes and parents moved to Chicago 
in 1917, to Valparaiso in 1947. A grad- 
uate of Tilden Technical High, he was 
employed on Pennsylvania Railroad 
from 1940 to retirement, July, 1974: 
he was in the Army in WWII, from 1942 
to 1945, serving in this country and 
Europe. 

Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes, daughter 
of Charles and Ellen Marie, was born on 
September 23, 1952; a 1970 graduate 
of Valparaiso High, 1973 of Valparaiso 
University, she married Lorace George 
Fogarty, Jr., April 26, 1974: they re- 
side in Byron, Georgia; she is a librar- 
ian, Law Library, Mercer University, 
Macon. 

For several years Charles and Ellen 
Marie Forbes have researched their an- 
cestry, sharing with relatives and libra- 
ries their findings. 


IRMA MAE (SHOOK) AND 
GEORGE C. MARQUART 


Irma Mae Shook was born April 6, 
1896, Union Twp., Jasper Co., Ind., the 
eldest child of William Addison Shook 
and Mary (Florence) Shook, both born 
Barkley Twp., Jasper Co. William Addi- 
son Shook’s father, William Shook, and 
grandfather, Jacob Shook, were born in 
Virginia, moving to Champaign Co., 
Ohio, mid-1840's. William Shook came 
to Barkley Twp., 1860; he married Mar- 
garet Dawson, born Jasper Co., the 
daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Daw- 
son. Mary (Florence) Shook was the 
daughter of Isaiah Florence, born Madi- 
son Co., Ohio; he came to Indiana as a 
child with his parents, Obed and Elea- 
nor (Hunt) Florence; their Florence, 
Hunt, Hill, Sleeper and Burrough an- 
cestors were living in Virginia and Ohio 
in early and mid-18th century. Isaiah 
Florence married Rhoda Ellen Williams, 
born Barkley Twp., daughter of William 
O. Williams and Margaret (Mackey) 
Williams, both born in Kentucky, mar- 
ried in Johnson Co., Indiana; they set- 
tled in Barkley Twp., 1850. Margaret 
Williams’ parents were David Mackey, 


born in Ireland, and Ellen Mackey, born 
in Kentucky. 

In February, 1917, the William Addi- 
son Shook family moved to Porter Coun- 
ty. On August 11, 1921, Irma Mae 
Shook was married, in Kouts, to George 
C. Marquart, born March 1, 1883, in 
Union Twp., Porter Co., on the farm of 
his father, John Marquart, Sr., born 
1830 in Schieswig-Holstein, Germany, 
coming to Porter Co. in 1853; he mar- 
ried, in Valparaiso, Dorothea Gottsche, 
born in Schleswig-Holstein. John Mar- 
quart, Sr., gave a part of his farm for 
the site of Gordon Grade School, built 
in the 19th century, and assisted in its 
construction. George C. Marquart was 
for many years a carpenter, employed 
by Sinclair Oil, Whiting. He and his 
four sons all were graduates of Wheeler 
High School. He died October 29, 
1961. 

Irma Mae (Shook) Marquart has re- 
sided in Wheeler 54 years. Her son, 
George H. Marquart and wife, Donetta 
(McBride), live in Sullivan, Ind. Her 
son, Ralph M., owner and operator of 
Marquart Service Station, Wheeler, his 
wife, Emmajean (Glynn), their children, 
Barbara, teacher at Grissom Middle 
School, Portage, and Dean, Hobart High 
Senior, live in Hobart. Harold A. lives 
in Wheeler. Paul E. Marquart, employee 
Overhead Door Company, Lake-Porter, 
lives in Valparaiso with his wife, Wanda 
(Naillieux) and children, Jeffrey, em- 
ployee David McDaniel Co., Janie, den- 
tal assistant, David, Valparaiso High 
Senior, and Diane, 4th grader. George 
H. and Ralph Marquart served in the 
Army, Harold in the Marines, in WWII: 
Paul Marquart was in the Army from 
1952 to 1954, 17 months in Europe. 


WILLIAM SHREVE 


William Shreve owned a farm near 
Boone Grove, Indiana. He married Ida 
May Dills who was born at Westville 
on August 6, 1863. She was the daugh- 
ter of Cornelius and Catherine Dills. 
They were the parents of one daughter, 
Bessie Vine Shreve. 

Bessie Vine Shreve was born in 
Boone Grove, Indiana, October 11, 
1894. She married Ronald Earl Rose- 
berry February 27, 1913 in Boone 
Grove, Ind. She has one child,’ Max 
Duane Roseberry. She died on Dec. 11, 
1962 at Valparaiso, Ind. 

Submitted by Pearle Johnston 


159 


160 


CARL SHURR 


Car] Shurr was born July 22, 1900, 
son of George Shurr, on a farm south 
of Porter Cross Roads. He married Ivah 
Mitchell of Burlington, lowa, on Sep- 
tember 20, 1920. He moved to Valpa- 
raiso where he worked for the Home Ice 
Company delivering ice in Valparaiso 
for the next five years. In 1925 he 
went to work in the assembly plant of 
the Ford Motor Company of Hegewich, 
[llinois, where he also lived. Then in 
1953 he was transferred to the new 
Ford Parts Depot in Melrose Park, Illi- 
nois, where he then moved to 229 E. 
North St., Elmhurst, Illinois to make his 
residence. He and his wife are still liv- 
ing there since he retired in 1967. 


ERVIN SHURR FAMILY 


Ervin Shurr was born on August 30, 
1871, son of Lewis and Anna Shurr, on 
a farm south of Porter Cross Roads. He 
spent his first 30 years on the farm 
helping his father. When his father re- 
tired and moved to 308 Napoleon St., 
Valparaiso, Ervin also went with his par- 
ents. He then got a job in a general 
store where he soon met Minnie Schu- 
macher, whom he married on April 26, 
1906. He then moved to 255 Haas St., 
Valparaiso. They had one son, Kenneth 
Shurr, born on March 21, 1911. Ervin 
spent almost 20 years working in gen- 
eral stores and then went to Indiana 
General Steel Products where he 
worked until he retired. He died on 
March 29, 1968. 


LEWIS SHURR CAME TO 
AMERICA IN 1853 


Lewis Shurr, known as Ludwig Fried- 
rich Schurr, was born in Wurttemberg 
County, Plochingen, Germany on April 
5, 1829. He was the son of Johann 


Ludwig Schurr and grandson of Mat- 
thaus Schurr. 

Born of a large family and since there 
was no work to be found at that time, 
Lewis boarded a cattle boat on the 
Rhine River and came to New York. He 
went on to Chicago where he soon left 
to come to Valparaiso looking for work. 
There he met the Fehrman family, who 
owned a farm southwest of Valparaiso, 
just south of Porter Cross Roads. Lewis 
worked for them for two years before 
marrying their daughter, Anna Fehrman. 

When Anna's parents retired, Lewis 
took over the farm. They had eight 
children, who were George, William, 
Christina, Lewis, Jr., Luetitia, Ervin, 
Andrew, and Magdeline. When their son 
Andrew got married, Lewis, who had 
farmed all his life, turned the farm over 
to him and moved to 308 Napoleon St., 
Valparaiso to retire. 

George Shurr, born March 10, 1858 
to the parents of Lewis and Anna Shurr, 
married Louise Ehretsman and moved 
on a 80-acre farm next to his father’s 
farm south of Porter Cross Roads. They 
had five children, who were Emerson, 
Anna, Vernon, Alta, and Carl. When his 
wife died, his son Vernon and his wife 
of one-year marriage moved in to help 
him. George bought more land and con- 
tinued to farm for the remainder of his 
life. 


VERNON SHURR 


Vernon Shurr was born on March 1, 
1892, son of George and Louise Shurr, 
on a farm south of Porter Cross Roads. 
He married Hazel Merriman of Valpa- 
raiso on March 4, 1914. They had four 
children, who were Harvey, Helen, Ver- 
na Ruth, and Emerson. 

In 1918 Vernon joined a group of 
neighborhood farmers, who purchased 
a steam engine, thrashing machine, and 
corn shredder, which they operated to- 
gether until 1930. When the machinery 
wore out, Vernon then purchased his 
own tractor, thrashing machine, and 
silo-filler and did custom work for his 
neighbors until 1940. 

Also, in the early 1920’s Vernon 
Shurr helped start the Porter County 
Farm Bureau Co-op by selling feed and 
coal to the farmers. About this time he 
started to sell insurance to the farmers 
through the joint companies of Farm 
Bureau and State Farm Mutual. When 
State Farm Mutual broke off from Farm 


Bureau, Vernon became the first State 
Farm agent in Porter County and the 
surrounding area. 

In 1959 he turned his farm over to 
his son Emerson and moved to 835 
East Lincolnway in Valparaiso where he 
continued with his insurance work with 
State Farm and Indiana Farmers Mu- 
tual until his death in 1966. 


EMERSON SHURR 


George Shurr’s oldest son was Emer- 
son Shurr (July 19, 1883-July 16, 
1909). He married Elizabeth Schneider 
in 1905 and fathered one child, Harold 
Oliver Shurr (June 21, 19C6—Novem- 
ber 21, 1951). Harold married Isobel 
Foster on September 7, 1929. Their 
three children, Marilyn, Sarah Adell, 
and Michael Stephen were born October 
23, 1934; May 11, 1938; and August 
27, 1944, respectively. . 

Marilyn became Mrs. Ordell Gerts- 
meier on October 28, 1953. They have 
Nancy Joan born April 12, 1956; Robert 
Michael, born May 16, 1957; David 
Alan, born September 13, 1961; and 
Jonathan Paul, born January 10, 1971. 

Sarah Adell married John E. Long 
and brought into the world John David, 
March 14, 1958; Rosemary Elizabeth, 
January 3, 1961; and Kathleen Hattie, 
September 2, 1962. 

Michael Steven and Mary Jayne Nix 
were wed May 25, 1968, and have 
added twin girls, Barbara Jayne and 
Susan Diane, July 13, 1970. 


EMERSON SHURR FAMILY 


_—T 


Sy ee 


- Se 


V 
$ 


Emerson Shurr was born on April 17, i 


1920, son of Vernon and Hazel Shurr, y 
on a farm south of Porter Cross Roads. a 
He married Mary M. Phillips of Valpar- — te 
aiso on November 16, 1942. They had y, 
three children, Judith, Carol, and Larry. gy 

Judith, born on March 16, 1946, ar 
married David Ewen of Wanatah on No- at 
vember 6, 1965. They had two chil- si: 
dren, Jeffrey and Julie. at 

Carol, born on August 17, 1949, ur 
married Evan Landgrebe of Valparaiso’ R. 
on November 9, 1968. They had three Li 
children, Marci, Stacey, and Jason. bo 

Larry, born on August 15, 1951, is ter 
unmarried and helping his father with Ko 
farming and insurance. an 

Emerson attended Porter Cross Roads yee 
Grade School and graduated from ing 
Boone Grove High School. Upon his hor 


7 his 


marriage he lived on his father’s farm 
and helped him with his farming. Later 
on he joined his father with the insur- 
ance business where he now has an 
insurance office of his own at 833 East 
Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 

Emerson and his wife Mary are mem- 
bers of the Boone Grove Christian 
Church, the Porter Cross Roads Com- 
munity Club, and the Porter Cross 
Roads Conservation Club. Emerson is 
also an active member of the Valparaiso 
Kiwanis Club. 


ie 


EUGENE SINN FAMILY 


My family’s names are—my dad Eu- 
gene M. Sinn—age 46, my mom Cecilia 
E. (Shutske) Sinn, my sisters Patricia 
D. (Sinn) Bianco—age 22, Carol E. 
(Sinn) Schuster—age 21, Marge L. 
Sinn—age 17, and the youngest of the 
family Cheryl C. Sinn—age 10. 

Their birth dates and occupations 
are—my dad was born January 21, 
1929 at Kouts, and is still living at 
Kouts working as a farmer. My mom 
was born March 7, 1930 at Kouts, 
stayed in Kouts until she went to col- 
lege at Ball State to be a teacher. She 
was a teacher for one and a half years 
and now is a housewife. My oldest sis- 
ter Pat was born October 8, 1953, at 
Valpo Porter Memorial Hospital and 
grew up at Kouts. Now she is married 
and in her last year of pharmacy school 
at Purdue, living now in Lafayette. My 
sister Carol was born October 26, 1954 
at Valpo Porter Memorial Hospital, grew 
up at Kouts. Now married, working as 


~ R.N. at Valpo Porter Memorial Hospital. 


Living in Hebron. My sister Marge was 
born September 20, 1958 at Valpo Por- 
ter Memorial Hospital and is living at 
Kouts. Is a senior at Kouts High School 
and is also a cheerleader for her fourth 
year. She is taking Architectural Draft- 
ing at Valpo High School and she is 
hoping to study architecture in college. 


And }, Cheryl, the youngest of the fam- 
ily, was born August 17, 1965, at Valpo 
Porter Memorial Hospital, tiving in 
Kouts while being in the 5th grade at 
Kouts High School. 

My grandparents are Mr. Albert C. 
Sinn and Mrs. Jennie C. (Swing) Sinn; 
they are my dad’s mom and dad. And 
my mom’s mom and dad are—Mr. 
Felix J. Shutske and Mrs. Lottie S. 
(Prall) Shutske. Both families farmed 
at Kouts. 


SHELLY SITZMAN 


My name is Shelly Sitzman. I come 
from a family of 4. My mother’s name 
is Marlene—she’s 27. | also live with 
my grandma and grandpa. My dad died 
1 year and a half ago. My mom works 
at the Big Wheel. 

My grandpa and grandma work at 
the University in Valpo. 

My grandpa worked at the Chrysler 
Corporation in Evansville. He was also 
a painter. The 2 Chrysler plants moved 
to Saint Louis. He was offered a job at 
the University so we moved to Porter 
County. 

| used to take 4H but our family went 
on vacation. | missed a lot of 4H meet- 
ings. | am going to sell cards and can- 
dles and other nicknacks. | go swim- 
ming a lot at our pool. We might go to 
Kentucky this year. We have lots of fun 
in Porter Co. 


HOWARD C. AND ADELE M. 
SKINKLE FAMILIES 


Howard Challen Skinkle is the son of 
Albert and Nancy Alice (Miller) Skinkle. 
His grandparents on his father’s side 
were Peter and Sarah (Peters) Skinkle. 
Peter was born Feb. 14, 1824 and died 
March 2, 1884. Sarah, his wife, was 
born Oct. 14, 1822 and died June 28, 
1914. Both are buried at Hebron 
cemetery. 

Howard’s mother’s parents were 
James and Elizabeth (Hague) Miller. 
James was born Sept. 14, 1832 and 
died May 23, 1911; and his wife born 
Dec. 1, 1834 and died Oct. 26, 1885; 
both buried at the Boone Grove ceme- 
tery. They were married March 13, 
1856, and to this union were born 7 
children. Nancy Alice, (Howard’s moth- 
er) born July 31, 1857 who married 
Albert Skinkle Jan. 1, 1877 and died 
June 10, 1940. Elmer H., her brother, 


was born Sept. 19, 1859, married Alice 
Rollin June 2, 1894 and died Dec. 27, 
1936 at Chadbourn, North Carolina. 
Isiah Miller, born August 1, 1862, 
married Josie Ann Buchanan Sept. 30, 
1886 and died Apri! 29, 1916. William 
C., born Feb. 18, 1865 and died June 
14, 1892; Rachel Estella, born Nov. 11, 
1868 and died Sept. 2, 1922; Ida M. 
Miller, born Jan. 5, 1870, married 
James C. Douglas Feb. 12, 1890, and 
died April 29, 1910; and Jennie Eliza- 
beth, born June 6, 1874, married 
George Douglas Feb. 15, 1894 and died 
Oct. 18, 1956. 

Howard C. Skinkle’s parents were Al- 
bert and Nancy Alice (Miller) Skinkle. 
Albert was born at Buffalo, New York on 
March 7, 1851 and died at their home 
in Hebron Oct. 18, 1943; and Nancy 
Alice, born July 31, 1857, at Holmes 
County, Ohio and died at their Hebron 
home June 10, 1940. They were mar- 
ried January 1, 1877 at the home of her 
parents. And purchased the farm where 
Howard C. now lives, 414 miles north 
of Hebron along state road #2, in the 
spring of 1885. Seven children were 
born to this union. The oldest child, 
Archie William, was born at the home 
of his mother’s parents Nov. 21, 1877, 
and died April 7, 1919, buried at Salem 
cemetery. Elizabeth, born also at her 
mother’s parents Jan. 2, 1880, married 
Simon McGinley June 20, 1897 and 
died August 7, 1902, also buried at 
Salem cemetery. Sarah Ida M. Skinkle 
was born on the family farm August 11, 
1886, married Roy E. Rigg Sept. 14, 
1905, having 1 daughter, Auretta, and 
2 sons, Neil and Newell. Ida died in 
Valparaiso July 30, 1974. James A. 
was born on the family farm March 30, 
1890, and married Frances Ludington 
Feb. 22, 1912, with 3 children, Harold, 
Velma and Max. Ross A., born on the 
family farm Oct. 3, 1895, and married 
Blanche Ludington June 7, 1916, and 
have 3 children, Maxine, Millicent and 
Mary. And Ella was born on the farm 
August 12, 1898, who married Harley 
G. Thompson May 10, 1916 and have 
1 son, Alden B. 

Howard C. Skinkle was born on the 
family farm Oct. 9, 1892 and on Nov. 
14, 1917, married Adele Margaurete 
Humeau. They have lived and managed 
the family farm together since March 
1918. Adele passed away February 16, 
1969 at Valparaiso hospital. They are 


161 


162 


parents of 3 children born on this farm. 
Louise Humeau (Skinkle) Reynolds, 
born Oct. 6, 1918, married John H. 
Reynolds from Muncie, Ind., in June 
1938; a graduate of Porter Cross Roads 
grade school and Boone Grove High 
School. Also a graduate of Ball State 
Teacher's College, Muncie, Ind., a B.S.° 
in Elementary Education and who lives 
at Route 1, Ridgeville, Ind. Alice Jane 
(Skinkle) Fitch was born on the family 
farm Oct. 28, 1922; also a graduate of 
Porter Cross Roads, Boone Grove High 
School and Ball State Teacher's Col- 
lege, majoring in Physical Education 
and Home Economics. She married 
Franklin G. Fitch from Crown Point, 
Ind., at the Salem Church July 18, 
1943, and have 2 children. David G., 
who was born August 30, 1952, gradu- 
ate of Murray, Ky., High School and 
now attending Dental School at the Uni- 
versity of Louisville, Kentucky. Nancy 
Jane was born April 9, 1957, at Bloom- 
ington, Ind., was a 1975 graduate of 
Murray, Ky., High School and will at- 
tend nurses training at Murray State 
College. 

Adele Margaurete (Humeau) Skinkle 
was born June 26, 1893 at Mansfield, 
Illinois, whose parents were Louis C. A. 
and Olive (Clouser) Humeau. Adele was 
a graduate of Hebron High School, in 
the spring of 1912, and also a graduate 
of Valparaiso University in 1914 in Ele- 
mentary Education, having taught one 
year at South Dakota; Coulter’s school, 
Union Twp., Porter County, Porter 
Cross Roads, Boone Grove and LeRoy 
schools. Her father, Louis C. A. Hu- 
meau, was born in Angers, France, July 
25, 1861 and came to the United 
States when he was 18. Mr. Humeau 
first worked as a gardener for Mr. Paul 
Bonvallet at St. Anne and Kankakee, II- 
linois; and then moved to Mansfield, II- 
linois, where he was employed as man- 
ager for Mr. David A. Root, Sr., at the 
lumber yard there. He and his family 
moved from Mansfield to Hebron, Ind., 
in May 1910 where Humeau was as- 
signed to manage the Hebron Lumber 
Company; the Root’s having purchased 
the Crown Point and Hebron yards the 
year before. Mr. Humeau managed the 
Hebron firm till 1941 and passed away 
at their Hebron home Feb. 9, 1942. 
Mrs. Humeau passed away in Valpa- 
raiso hospital Oct. 15, 1962. 

Adele had 3 sisters and 1 brother. 
The oldest was George, born April 23, 


1891 and died August 1957; Florence 
was born Feb. 27, 1898, married Don 
Turner in 1915, 1 son, Louis James; 
she died March 10, 1923. Frances L. 
was born May 22, 1901 and married 
Emert H. Graper in 1921; and Jose- 
phine I. was born July 1, 1903 and in 
1923 married Harry C. Rathburn. 

Howard C. Skinkle is still engaged in 
farming with his son, Paul, who was 
born also on the family farm, on June 
26, 1928. A graduate of Boone Grove 
High School. The Skinkle family are 
members of the Salem United Method- 
ist Church. Both father and son are 
members of the Hebron Masonic Lodge 
#502 F.&A.M. Paul served as Wor- 
shipful Master of this lodge in 1970. 
Mr. Howard Skinkle has belonged to 
this lodge for 58 years. Mrs. Skinkle 
(Adele) was Worthy Matron of the Heb- 
ron chapter of the Order of Eastern Star 
in 1926 and 1927. 


JAMES SKINKLE FAMILY 


The James Skinkle family of Porter 
Township and many of their ancestors 
and descendants have been Porter 
County residents. James Skinkle’s par- 
ents, Albert and Nancy Alice Miller 
Skinkle, although neither born in Indi- 
ana, both came to the Hebron vicinity 
as young children—as early as 1862. 
They were married January 1, 1877, at 
the home of her parents. In 1884 they 
purchased a farm 414 miles north of 
Hebron, living there until 1918. Then 
they retired and moved to Hebron. 
James Albert Skinkle was born on that 
farm March 30, 1890. He attended 
the nearby Beach School and farmed 
with his father as a youth. It is interest- 
ing and unusual to note that the Albert 
Skinkles celebrated 63 years of mar- 
riage before Mrs. Skinkle died in 1940. 


Albert Skinkle lived to be 92 years old, 
passing away in 1943. The original 
farm is still owned by the Skinkle fam- 
ily. Today it is farmed by Howard Skin- 
kle and his son Paul. 

Mrs. James Skinkle’s parents, Frank 
Ludington and Phebe Dick Ludington, 
were also childhood residents of Porter 
Township. Miss Phebe Dick, at the age 
of 19, received a teaching license from 
the state. She taught in several local 
one-room schools, including one in Mc: 
Cool and one near the settlement of 
Hulburt, between 1885 and 1889. On 
May 15, 1889, she married Frank Lud- 
ington, a local farmer. They owned a 
large farm 4 miles northwest of Boone 
Grove. Frances Rebecca Ludington was 
born there June 9, 1892. She is a 1908 
graduate of Boone Grove High School. 
The farm home remained in the family 
and was occupied by the Ludington’s 
youngest daughter until it was sold in 
1971. The surrounding land, however, 
is still owned by members of the family. 

On February 22, 1912, James Skin- 
kle and Frances Ludington were mar- 
ried at the Valparaiso Methodist par- 
sonage. For all but one of their 63 
married years, they have lived on the 
same farm in Porter Township west of 
Boone Grove on the Lake Eliza Road. 
It is the land that belonged to James 
Skinkle’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. 
James Miller. However, the original 
barn was destroyed by fire in 1916 and 
rebuilt one year later on the other side 


of the road, and the old Miller farm | 


house was razed and replaced on the 


same spot in 1947. Mr..Skinkle retired © 


from farming in 1962. The couple are 
members of the Salem United Method- 
ist Church. He is a member of the 
Hebron Masonic Lodge, and both are 


50 year members of the Hebron Eastern — 


Star. Mrs. Skinkle also belongs to the 


Margaret Bryant Blackstone Chapter of 
the D.A.R. 

Mr. and Mrs. Skinkle are the parents 
of 3 children: Harold Ludington Skinkle, 
born November 27, 1912; Velma Mae 
Skinkle, born January 12, 1917; and 
Max James Skinkle, born December 1, 
1918. 

Harold Skinkle and his wife Ardis live 
in Waynesville, Ohio. They have two 
daughters: Jeanette, married to Ray- 
mond Himes of Dayton, and mother of 
Spencer Raymond and Phoebe Jean- 
ette; and Sandra, now Mrs. Joseph 
Laubenthal and the mother of Eric 
Michael. 

Velma Skinkle is married to Boyd 
Ostroot and has lived in Portage for 25 
years. She has 4 married daughters 
and 8 grandchildren. Karen Frances 
Ostroot is now Mrs. Barry Fritz and re- 
sides in Valparaiso with her husband 
and children James Erwin, Julie Mae 
and Leslee Jean. Nancy Jean Ostroot 
lives in Fort Wayne with her husband, 
Dr. Roy Coolman, and children, Boyd 
Robert, Bradley Roy, and Ann Rebecca. 
Ruthann Ostroot is married to Robert 
Chaddock and the mother of Annessa 
Frances-Rebecca and Nathaniel Frank- 
lyn. They are Valparaiso residents. 
Anita Mae Ostroot and husband, Jay 
Stevens, live in Lafayette, Indiana, 
where both are Purdue students. 

Max Skinkle and his wife Agnes 
Weisjahn Skinkle also live in Valpa- 
raiso. They have two children: Linda 


Sue, who is a teacher in the Portage 
schools; and Gene Max, a student at 
indiana University. 


SKINNER FAMILY 


Submitted by Mrs. Myrtle 
(Davidson) Mead 
Beautiful Porter County has been my 
home all of my life. Now | am a senior 


citizen and will briefly relate some of it 
and my background. 

lt began with my birth in Valparaiso, 
January of the year 1894. Several 
weeks later my parents returned to their 
farm near Wahob Lake. By the time | 
became school age they sold the farm 
and moved back into Valparaiso. In the 
fall of 1901 | started first grade at the 
old school on Franklin Avenue, where 
the Central School is now located. | 
was transferred to Gardner School while 
the old school building was razed and 
the new Central School was being con- 
structed. When | finished the elemen- 
tary grades at Gardner School | at- 
tended the new Central School for sev- 
enth and eighth grades, also High 
School. 

There were many pleasant memories 
of that growing up time. Valparaiso was 
a beautiful, quiet, and friendly town — 
there was an abundance of ‘‘Love thy 
Neighbor’ everywhere. We enjoyed vis- 
its to our relatives who lived on farms 
around the county. | recall picnics of 
Sunday School, and other groups at 
Flint Lake. Flint Lake was then a resort 
area with three beaches for swimming 
and boating. Each had a park with beau- 
tiful shade trees, swings, and benches 
beside picnic tables, where a very pleas- 
ant day was enjoyed. We traveled there 
via horse drawn vehicles until the inter- 
urban railroad was constructed from 
Valparaiso north on Road 49 to Flint 
Lake, then around it and the small lakes 
beyond and curved westward to Gary, 
then a very new city. 

We got our news through the newspa- 
pers, there were no radios or T.V.’s. 
The first serious news | recall was the 
shooting of President McKinley and a 
few years later the San Francisco earth- 
quake. 

| am the widow of the late Roscoe 
Burns Mead, who was also a lifetime 
resident of Porter County. After our 
marriage we lived on a farm in Liberty 
Township which belonged to his father, 
Joseph H. Mead. During World War | 
a group of the neighborhood ladies met 
at my house once a week to sew con- 
valescent gowns for the soldiers. After 
the war we moved into Valparaiso where 
our three sons, Maurice, Roger, and 
Joseph, along with our four daughters, 
Helen, Marcile, Leoramae, and Joan, 
attended Valparaiso Schools. Two sons 


and two daughters are now living in Val- 
paraiso and Center Township. Seven of 
my eleven grandsons and two grand- 
daughters have graduated from Valpa- 
raiso High School since 1957. 

My parents — Herbert Merrick and 
Melina Leora (Skinner) Davidson were 
both born in Liberty Township in the 
early 1870's on the farms their fathers 
had owned before the Civil War. They 
received their early schooling at the old 
Phares one room school at the inter- 
section of what is now Meridian Road 
and County Road 700 North. 

My great-grandparents — Asa and 
Electa (Mason) Skinner, brought their 
family to Porter County, via covered 
wagon, from New York State to reside 
here in the late 1830's. Their son, my 
grandfather, Truman H. Skinner, was a 
farmer but others of that family were 
more concerned with the civic affairs 
of Porter County and Valparaiso. One 
sister, Pauline Skinner, was the wife 
of the first elected mayor of Valparaiso, 
Thomas J. Merrifield. A brother, John 
N. Skinner, was the third mayor. We 
are told that their mother was the first 
woman to be buried in the old cemetery 
on Union Street. It is the final resting 
place of several others of that family. 

After visiting many places, | always 
return to have more appreciation of my 
Porter County home. 


ROBERT B. SMITH FAMILY 


Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Smith (Ruby 
L. Stowers) reside at 3506 Coventry 
Circle, Valparaiso, Indiana. They are 
the parents of Robert B. Smith, Jr., an 
elementary school teacher who resides 
in Winamac; Anita L. Crowe (Smith), 
wife of Fred L. Crowe and mother of 
Richelle, a daughter, who resides at 
1203 Lind Lane in Valparaiso; Richard 
L. Smith, a senior at Ball State Univer- 
sity majoring in accounting; Linda F. 


163 


164 


Smith, living at home and working at 
3-D Discount Store, and Scott A. Smith, 
an eighth grade student at Thomas Jef- 
ferson Junior High School. 

Mr. Smith is a Chartered Life Under- 
writer with 28 years experience in the 
insurance business. He has been very 
active in business and civic affairs, cur- 
rently serving as president of the Val- 
paraiso Rotary Club, and as president 
of The United Way of Porter County, in 
addition to his active membership in 
numerous other organizations. 

His father, the late John |. Smith, 
was in the insurance business in Wheel- 
er, Indiana, for 30 years. His mother, 
the late Florence A. Smith, retired as 
the Postmaster of the Wheeler Post Of- 
fice after serving that community for 20 
years in that capacity. 

Ruth Smith’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. 
James Elda Stowers, were farmers all 
of their lives, residing in Wheeler dur- 
ing the last 30 years prior to their re- 
tirement in Wheeler. 

Submitted by Robert R. Smith 


ai Sen { 
t te a 


GERALD SPAGNA FAMILY 
Members of the family are: 
Gerald Leigh Spagna, born 7/14/42 
Valparaiso; Bertie Jolley Spagna, born 
11/25/43 Valparaiso; John William 
Spagna, born 7/30/63 Valparaiso; 
Matthew Leigh Spagna, born 5/6/65 
Valparaiso, and Michael Neil Spagna, 
born 3/13/68 Valparaiso. 

Gerald was raised in Wheeler, son of 
Ernaldo and. Eleanor Keene Spagna. 
Paternal grandparents, Calisto and Lu- 
cia Spagna, came here from Northern 
Italy. He attended Wheeler grade and 
High School. Since graduating in 1960 
he worked construction for a short time, 
then in 1961 he started employment at 
Midwest Steel, Portage, Ind., where he 


has remained. His main hobbies re- 
volve around steam locomotives and 
railway lines. 


Bertie (Jolley) Spagna was born and 
raised in Valparaiso, daughter of Dale 
and Ruby Kyes Jolley. She attended 
Banta, Central and Valparaiso High 
School, graduating in 1961. Married at 
St. Paul’s Church on 9/23/61, her 
time is now occupied in working part- 
time at Thomas Jefferson School and 
rasing her three sons. 


The Spagnas are members of St. 
Paul’s Parish where John enjoys serving 
Mass as an altar boy. All three boys 
participate in Glenrose Parks summer 
program, their favorite pastimes being 
baseball and basketball. 


CLINTON AND BESSIE 
SPANGLER FAMILY 


The Perrin farm in Jackson Twp. was 
home for Clinton and Bessie Spangler 
and their son, Melvin, and daughter, 
Arthelia, when they moved to Porter Co. 
from Hessville (Hammond), Ind., in 
1931. Clint was a bricklayer and 
worked at Inland Steel, Shell Oil Refin- 
ery, and in Valparaiso and Porter Co. 
The family were members of the First 
Christian Church in Valparaiso and were 
active in the church organizations. Bes- 
sie was a member of the Flint Lake La- 
dies Club. Their daughter, Arthelia, was 
married to Herman Krieger, and in Jan- 
uary 1944, she and her two sons lost 
their lives in an auto-truck accident at 
the intersection of Roads 2 and 30 
south of Valparaiso. Melvin married 
Emma Barnett and lives in Dyer, Ind. 


One day in 1933, five escapees from 
the prison in Michigan City, later 
learned to be a part of the Dillinger 
gang, forced Clint at gunpoint to get a 
team of horses to pull their car out of 
a mud hole. They took him to near 
Deepriver before releasing him. Clint 
was not hurt and after getting to a tele- 
phone, he called Sheriff Fry and was 
taken home. The convicts were all ap- 
prehended. 


In 1946 the Spanglers sold their 
farm to Mr. Goin and moved to a home 
that Clint built on Bullseye Lake road 
across from the lake. The old farm 
home in Jackson Twp. burned in 1947 
and Mr. Goin built a new home at the 
same location. 

Mrs. Spangler was 69 when she died 


in 1959 and Clint was 76 when he died 
in 1966. 
Submitted by Emma (Barnett) Spangler 


MELVIN & EMMA SPANGLER 
FAMILY 


The son of Clinton and Bessie Spang- 
ler, Melvin came to Jackson Twp., Por- 
ter Co., with his parents and sister, 
Arthelia, from Hessville (Hammond), 
Ind., in 1931. Emma is the daughter 
of Henry and Minnie Barnett and came 
to Washington Twp., Porter Co., when 
her family moved from Hallsville, Ill., in 
1919. Melvin graduated from Ham. 
mond High School in 1931, and Emma 
graduated from Washington Twp. H. S. 
in 1934. She also attended Valparaiso 
University for two years. After their 
marriage in 1939 they lived in Valpa- 
raiso until 1949 when they and their 
three children moved to Washington 
Twp., living about a mile north of the 
school on road 400E, in the same house 
as Emma's parents. In 1968 they 
moved to Dyer, Ind., where they now 
live. 

Melvin is a member of Porter Lodge 
#137 F. & A.M., South Bend Valley 
Scottish Rite, and Chequecek Lodge 
#56 1.0.0.F. He has worked at Inland 
Steel, McGills, did some construction 
work, and is presently at Ford Stamping 
Plant in Chicago Hts. Emma has worked 
at Philley Mfg. Co., Lantz Mfg. Co., 
Wash-O-Mat Laundry, and Simmons Co. 
in Munster. 


While living in Porter Co., the Spang- 
lers were members of the First Chris- 
tian Church and were active in the 
church organizations. They were also 
members of the Washington P.T.A. 
Their children are second generation 
graduates of the Washington Twp. High 
School: Louise (Taylor) 1958, Janet 
(Johnson) 1960, and Kenneth 1967. 
A third generation, Louise’s children, 
are attending the school at the present 
time. 

Submitted by Emma (Barnett) Spangler 


HARRY C. AND HELEN A. 
SPOHN 


| was born on Dec. 19, 1897 in West 
Union, Ohio, Adams Co., the son of 
Sylvan Sinclair and Minnie Warren 
(Miller) Spohn, the fourth child in a 
family of eight children. My father 
came to Kouts in the fall of 1899 via 
of a team and wagon. Mother and we 


four children followed via the Pennsyl- 


vania R.R. | attended the Kouts, Mar- 
shall Grove, Five Point, Steinke and 
Rising Sun Schools, attaining a seventh 
grade education. | attained maturity in 
1918. | worked one year on the farm 
for Ferd J. Reddleman at Kouts. 

On Dec. 19, 1919 | was employed by 
The American Tin Mill in Gary. In 1923 
| was employed by The Standard Steel 
Car Co. in Hammond, Ind. In 1925 | 
joined the Carpenters and Joiners Union 
and was employed in the building 
trades in the Calumet area for six years. 
In 1931 | rented the A. W. Jacobs farm 
in Washington Twp., where | engaged 
in dairying for seventeen years. 

In the fall of 1947 | purchased a 
386 acre farm in Pleasant Twp., where 
| still reside. On Aug. the 8, 1938 | 
married Rose Pletcher Barber, the wid- 
ow of Oliver K. Barber. She was the 
mother of two sons, Charles O. and Al- 
vin L. They both reside in Valparaiso. 
In 1944 our daughter Mary Minnie was 
born. She graduated from the Kouts 
High School. She is married to Randal 
Yager. They reside in Fort Lauderdale, 
Fla., with their four children, Rosemary, 
Michelle, Randal Jr. and Mark. 

My wife Rose was deceased June 1, 
1967. On Nov. 15, 1969, | married 
Helen Dinse of Morgan Twp. 


DALE EDWIN STERLING 


Dale Edwin Sterling came to Liberty 
Township in 1957, from Toledo, Ohio, 
where he was born and educated. He 
was stationed at Moss Lake with the 
U. S. Army. At that time it was the rest 
and recreation area for the U. S. Army, 
45th Brigade. He helped build many of 
the buildings which is now called Camp 
Lawrence, a CYO camp. 

Dale and Jackie were married Octo- 
ber 6, 1962, at the First Christian 
Church, Valparaiso, by the late Rev. 
Percy Thomas. They have been blessed 
with two lovely children, Cyndy and 
Dale, Jr. 


Dale is also a member of many Ma- 
sonic organizations. He is present Re- 
publican Precinct Committeeman of 
Portage Twp., Precinct #16. He is Vice- 
President of the Paul Saylor Elementary 


P.T.O. for the second year. Dale has 
been employed for Inland Steel Co., 
East Chicago, for 16 years. 

Jackie is employed in the Porter 
County Treasurer’s Office under Doro- 
thy M. Lenburg as her lst Deputy and 
Bookkeeper. The Sterlings attend St. 
Stephens Episcopal Church in Hobart. 


DAVID STANLEY FAMILY 


The David Stanley family of Boone 
Grove consisted of Mabel Leanna 
Brown, a lifelong resident of Valparaiso 
until 1946 when she was united in mar- 
riage to David Miller Stanley, a lifelong 
resident of southern Porter County. 
They had six children born to them, 
Ruth, John, James, Marie, Mark and 
Lois. The three eldest have married 
and the three younger are working or 
at home. 


Mr. Stanley was a carpenter by trade 
and built many homes in the Porter 
County area. Mr. Stanley’s sons worked 
with him, as did his brother, Glen, up 
until the time of his death. He served 
for a time as postmaster of Boone 
Grove, and finally resigned his position 
to take one of route carrier in Valpa- 
raiso. He is also a veteran of WWII. 

Mrs. David Stanley is a member of 
Trinity Lutheran Church, and is also a 
member of the Porter County Associa- 
tion for Retarded Citizens. Mrs. Stan- 
ley is also active in the DAR. 

Mrs. Stanley built a street in Val- 
paraiso and named it Elizabeth, after 
a sister. She then dedicated the street 
to the City of Valparaiso. 


THE SUMMERS FAMILY 


Dallas Lester Summers was born in 
Edgerton, Ohio, in 1902. His sister, 
Neva, in 1904. About 1906 their par- 
ents, Lester Edward Summers and Julia 
Strosburger Summers, brought them to 
Chesterton, at 216 Grant St., where the 
La Casa Morena is now. Lester was a 
telegrapher for the New York Central 
Railroad. About 1908 or 09 they moved 
to 418 S. 2nd St. Julia died in 1943. 
Lester remarried Maria Wistler. Lester 
died from burns in 1955. 

Neva married Arther Gibbs and 
moved to Kokomo, Ind. They had four 
children: Lester Bill, Mary Jane, Jack, 
and Sandy. 


Dallas L. married Ruth L. Spencer 
Dec. 20, 1925. Their son, Dallas Bur- 
ton, known as Jonny, was born Sept. 
28, 1926. Dallas and Ruth belonged 
to the First Methodist Church of Ches- 
terton. He worked at Youngstown Sheet 
and Tube in East Chicago, Ind., as a 
safety inspector. He worked there 45 
years and retired in 1967. Ruth worked 
at Wilbar Manufacturing Co. in the ear- 
ly 1950s. They bought a cottage in 
1945 at Indian Lake near Dowagiac, 
Mich. They still own it. 

Dallas liked to work with wood and 
he made quite a bit of their furniture. 
Ruth liked to knit and crochet. They 
still live at 706 So. 2nd St. since about 
1929. 

Jonny married lla Joan Saidla, known 
as Jo, Oct. 18th, 1947. They lived at 
226 N. Calumet Rd. where their son, 
Collyn Burtus, was born Oct. 3, 1948. 
They bought a house at 126 Chester- 
ton Blvd. and daughter, Julie K. was 
born April 25, 1950. 

Jonny had worked at Michigan City 
for Pulman Standard before he went 
into the Army in 1945. He served with 
the 25th. Division in the Philippines 


165 


166 


and Japan. After he came home in 
1946 he went to work at Youngstown 
with his dad, Dallas L. He went thru 
the apprenticeship for instrument re- 
pair man. He now is looking forward 
to his retirement in 1977. 

Jo was the first paper girl, in 1943- 
44, that Chesterton had. After the 
children were 4 and 3 she worked with 
her father, J. C. Saidia, in his Studio 
until about 1958. Then she started as 
a Brownie Leader, then Girl Scout lead- 
er at their day camps and as Neighbor- 
hood chairman for many years. Jonny 
worked with her in Scouting too and 
they both are still registered Girl 
Scouts. 

In the Chesterton Centennial, 1952, 
Jonny won an award for the smallest 
sideburns. 

Jonny has had Ham radio station 
W9OVAY since 1952. He belonged to 
the Chesterton and Valparaiso Ham 
clubs. He also taught youth of Ches- 
terton and Porter the basic require- 
ments for Ham radio. 


In 1954 they bought their home at 
127 So. 15th St, where they still live. 

Jonny also enjoys wood working and 
has made all kinds of things. Together 
Jonny and Jo have made and built 
Barbie Doll houses, Heathkit stereo ra- 
dios and record players, Heathkit 25” 
color TV and the wood cabinets. A 
10’x18’ room on the back of their 
house and a 8’x12’ dark room in the 
basement for their amateur photogra- 
phy. They both belong to the Valpo 
Camera Club. 


In 1967 Jonny was one of the first 
to graduate from the Chesterton High 
School Adult Night classes. In 1971 
he took a 2-year course with the Na- 
tional Camera, Inc., in Denver, Colo. 
In 1974 he started the Chesterton Cam- 
era Repair Shop part time. Will run 
the shop, here at 1420 W. Indiana 
Ave., full time when he retires from 
Youngstown. He is a Master Camera 
Craftsman. 


Jo has worked for Akay Garment Co. 
since 1970 as a seamstress. She also 
enjoys sewing for her family, crochet- 
ing and all kinds of needlework. She 
and son Collyn belong to the Bethle- 
hem Lutheran Church. Jo has worked 
with the Altar Guild for about 10 years. 

Their daughter, Julie, married Ernest 
Edward Esgate Oci. 4, 1968. Ed was 
in the Army and went to Germany. Ju- 
lie followed him there and their daugh- 


ter, Sara Dawn, was born March 14, 
1970. She was 5 weeks old when her 
mother flew home with her. After Ed 
got out of the Army he went to work 
for the Lambshire Food Processing Co. 
of Calumet City, Ill. In 1974 they 
moved there to be near Ed’s work. 

Julie had been a Brownie, Girl Scout 
and a 4-H’er. 

Collyn had been a Boy Scout. In 
1968 he went into the Navy. He served 
aboard the USS Buck and USS Prit- 
chard. He was in and around Vietnam 
several different times. On Dec. 13, 
1969, he married Justina Catherine 
Styonavich. They were stationed at San 
Diego, California. Collyn got out of the 
Navy Sept. 15 and their son, Steven 
Michael Wayne, was born Sept. 14, 
1972. 

Collyn went to work for Bethlehem 
Steel Corp. He is now taking a course 
in TV repair and hopes to open a shop 
in the far future. Cathy, his wife, works 
for Price Mobile Home Centers, Inc., in 
Burns Harbor. They just bought a 
14’x70’ house trailer and live in the 
Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park, 
Portage, Ind. 


Submitted by 
Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Summers 


THE CHARLES STINEBURG 
FAMILY 


Charles, the son of Edward Stine- 
burg whose home place was the first 
house west of Fishers Pond and Hilde- 
gard Brandberg whose parents come 
from Sweden, married Marie Wilson on 
May 4, 1940. Marie’s father was a son 
of Dave Wilson and Ethel Loomis Wilson 
who lived on a farm west of Hebron. 
Ethel’s family originated in Two Rivers, 
Wisconsin, and Bloomingdale, Illinois. 


Charles and Marie Stineburg are 
members of the Hebron United Method- 
ist Church and remain active in civic 
affairs. Their son Philip lives in Den- 
ver, Colorado. Their daughter, Becky 
Stineburg Davis, lives and works in Val- 
paraiso. Becky’s daughter Erica is théir 
only grandchild. 

Both Charles and Marie were self- 
employed in Hebron; Charles as a 


plumbing, heating, and electrical con- 
tractor until 1969 when he became Su- 
perintendent of the Water and Sewage 
Treatment Plants, and Marie who has 
continued as a professional beautician 
in her shop at home. 


— 


DR. MARGARETTA 
TANGERMAN 


In 1949 in response to an invitation 
from Dr. O. P. Kretzmann, then Presi- 
dent of Valparaiso University, to join 
hands with him to build a great univer- 
sity, Dr. Margaretta Tangerman, Prof. 
Emerita of Social Work, and her hus- 
band John left their home in Ham- 
mond, Indiana, to come to Valparaiso. 
It was a decision the Tangermans never 
regretted and they soon loved the com- 
munity and their new friends in Porter 
County. 

In 1948 when Mrs. Tangerman was 
Chief Casework Supervisor for the Lake 
County Dept. of Public Welfare, she was 
commuting to Valparaiso to teach a 
night class in social work at Valparaiso 
University. Among her students were a 
number of veterans of World War II and 
campus leaders. Their enthusiasm and 
response to Mrs. Tangerman’s night 
school class led them to petition Presi- 
dent Kretzmann to hire her to be the 
University’s first Dean of Women and 
to start a Social Work Dept. Subse- 
quently, Prof. Tangerman came to the 
University in 1949 as Dean of Women 
and to head the combined departments 
of Sociology and Social Work. 

In the years that followed Prof. Tan- 
german became known nationally for 
her undergraduate social work depart- 
ment and attracted students from all 
over the United States and abroad. She 
was soon listed in 20 Who’s Who in the 
United States, including Who’s Who in 
America, Who's Who of American Wom- 
en and seven International Who's Who, 
including The World Who’s Who of 
Women and Two Thousand Women of 
Achievement. She has been selected to 
appear in Americans of the Bicenten- 
nial Era. 

Prof. Tangerman also became known 
for her service to the nation, the state, 
and her community. Nationally she 


served on the Child Welfare Committee 
for the American Public Welfare Asso- 
ciation, for over 10 years on the House 
of Delegates for the Council on Social 
Work Education, gave speeches and in- 
stitutes on Child Welfare, Problems of 
the Aged, Youth and Mental Health for 
various groups and organizations. She 
was a delegate for the State of Indiana 
to three White House Conferences: 
Children and Youth, Aging and the 
Aged, and the Commission on the Sta- 
tus of Women. She is a gold card mem- 
ber of the National Association of So- 
cial Workers in recognition of her sus- 
tained membership in the professional 
association and for devoted public ser- 
vice to her country. She was honored 
in 1969 as the Social Worker of the 
Year. 


In the State of Indiana Prof. Tanger- 
man served on a number of Governors 
Commissions and Councils: Governors 
Commission on Unemployed Relief, 
Children and Youth, the Aging and the 
Aged, the Status of Women. She is past 
President of the Indiana State Confer- 
ence on Social Welfare and was hon- 
ored with a gold gavel; past President 
of the Indiana Christian Social Welfare 
Association, on the Policy Board and 
District Chairman for the Second Con- 
gressional District for Hoosiers for the 
Equal Rights Amendment. She received 
an Ecumenical Leadership Citation from 
the Indiana Council of Churches. 


Locally, Prof. Tangerman started the 
Northwest Regional Conference on Ag- 
ing and the Aged and is on the North- 
west Indiana Comprehensive Health 
Planning Council. She started the Por- 
ter County Council on Aging and the 
Aged, was its first President and now 
serves on its Advisory Council. She also 
serves on the Advisory Council of 
RSVP for Porter County. She was one 
of the founders of the Family Service 
Association for Porter County and 
serves on its Board and is Personnel 
Chairman. She is a charter member of 
the Porter Mental Health Association, 
served on its Board and also on its 
committee to establish the Porter Coun- 
ty Guidance Clinic. She serves on the 


Board of the League of Women Voters 
of Porter County, was one of the 
League’s observers at the Board meet- 
ings of the Porter County Dept. of Pub- 
lic Welfare, served as chairperson for 
the Committees on ‘Justice and the 


Courts” and ‘“‘ERA’’. She was a dele- 
gate to the 1974 State Convention. 
She is also on the Board of the Luther- 
an Family Services of Northwest Indi- 
ana which includes Porter County and 
was their first Personnel Chairman. 
She serves as a Social Work Consultant 
for Social Agencies in Porter County. 


Prof. Tangerman has memberships 
in many professional and local civic 
and service organizations which include 
being a long-time member of the Val- 
paraiso American Association of Uni- 
versity Women, Business and Profes- 
sional Women, and Delta Kappa Gam- 
ma, Honorary Teachers’ Fraternity. 
These organizations have honored her 
for her services to Porter County. She 
also is a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, 
Honorary Sociological Fraternity and Pi 
Gamma Mu Honorary Social Science 
Fraternity. 


Prof. Tangerman was. graduated 
from Indiana University with high hon- 
ors and elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She 
received the following honors from In- 
diana University: The Susan Butler 
Award for attaining the highest stand- 
ard in the University for scholarship 
and character, ‘‘from the entire faculty 
of Indiana U. by an unanimous vote’, 
the Ulyssis C. Weatherly Award in So- 
ciology ‘“‘for scholarship, intelligence, 
achievement, and character’, the Chi 
Omega Honorary Social Work Award for 
the woman student ‘‘who contributed 
most in social service to the campus 
and for outstanding scholarship, intel- 
ligence, achievement and character’’, 
the Pi Lambda Theta Award in the 
School of Education ‘‘to the outstand- 
ing woman on the campus for charac- 
ter, scholarship, service and leader- 
ship."’ She received her M.A. degree 
in Social Work from the University of 
Chicago, where she received the Grace 
Abbott Memorial and the Common- 
wealth Fellowships. 


Prof. Tangerman retired in 1972 
from Valparaiso University with the title 
of Prof. Emerita*of Social Work and has 
an honorary doctorate degree. The 
Board of Directors of Valparaiso Uni- 
versity commissioned that her portrait 
be painted, the first woman to be so 
honored. A tree was planted in her 
honor by students on the campus; a 
Margaretta Sackville Tangerman con- 
tinuing scholarship was established by 
faculty; and the Alumni Association 


167 


168 


presented her with an honorary alumni 
membership and plaque for her ser- 
vices to the university and her com- 
munity. In the past, former President 
Dr. O. P. Kretzmann had awarded her 
several plaques for dedicated services 
to the Social Work Department and 
University. 

The Wheatridge Foundation, at re- 
tirement, also honored her with a 
plaque ‘‘for distinguished service in 
social work.”’ 

It is interesting to note that Profes- 
sor Tangerman’s Aunt Winifred Sack- 
ville Stoner was a frequent Chataugua 
speaker in Valparaiso and well remem- 
bered by many older residents in Por- 
ter County. Mrs. Stoner sponsored the 
Chataugua Desk made in Valparaiso 
and used this desk in public appear- 
ances when she spoke on her theory of 
‘Natural Education.” 

Mr. Tangerman, as an employee of 
the Hammond Times, commuted daily 
from Valparaiso to Hammond for over 
25 years. He attended the University 
of Illinois for three years, then trans- 
ferred to the University of Chicago 
where he received his B.A. Degree. He 
took graduate work at Northwestern 
University. He is a charter member of 
the American Newspaper Guild and 
past President of the Hammond News- 
paper Guild. 

The Tangermans are members of 
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valpar- 
aiso. They love the beauty of Valpar- 
aiso and Porter County and enjoy their 
continued association with Valparaiso 
University and the warm friendships 
they have made in Porter County. They 
have chosen as their ‘‘retirement”’ 
home, Vale Village, 2804 Cumberland 
Drive, Chestnut Building, Apt. 2A, Val- 
paraiso. 


MR. & MRS. ROBERT DANIEL 
TAYLOR 


We are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daniel 
Taylor and children of R. R. 2, Valpar- 
aiso, Ind., born Hoosiers. Bob was 
born in Lake County Oct. 15, 1942, 
and |, Sandra Louise, was born in Por- 
ter County Sept. 25, 1944. Bob is the 
second son of Mr. and Mrs. John and 


Bob’s family 
moved from Crown Point, Ind., in 1948 
to where his folks presently live seven 
miles north of Hebron, Ind. He and his 
only brother, George Leroy, attended 
and graduated from Boone Grove 


Ruth (Bruckman) Taylor. 


School. Sandra is the third daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice and Frances 
(Perrill) Ludington. She was raised 3 
miles northwest of Boone Grove in the 
house her father was born in. Sandra’s 
grandmother, Florence B. Ludington, 
resides in Boone Grove. Sandra has 
two sisters, Carolyn Ann Hood and Jua- 
nita Diane Houpt. They also graduated 
from Boone Grove School. After grad- 
uating in 1960 Bob worked one year on 
a farm before entering the U.S. Army, 
joining the 586 Signal Company. He 
was in France for 9 months but spent 
most of his duty at Fort Irwin, Cali- 
fornia. Sandra graduated in 1963 and 
worked one year at Indiana General 
Magnetic Corporation. After having 
gone together five years we were mar- 
ried July 11, 1964 at the Boone Grove 
Christian Church. Our first home was 
a trailer in Valparaiso where we lived 
for five years. Bob worked at U. S. 
Steel in Gary and | was a housewife. 
It was here our two daughters joined 
our family. Justine Annette was born 
Jan. 18, 1965 and Sheila Marie was 
born April 5, 1969. When Sheila was 
3 weeks old we moved to our present 
home 114 miles northeast of Boone 
Grove. Fifteen months later on July 
18, 1970, our son, Robert Scott, was 
born. Bob had a motorcycle accident 
June 25, 1966, which put him in the 
hospital 21/4 months and off of work 
for 18 months. He was able to go back 
to work at U.S. Steel, taking a job as 
an apprentice in the Roll Shop, this is 
where he presently works. We enjoy 
camping vacations and in 1975 took a 
six week trip to Alaska. 


ROBERT WENDELL'3 Jesse 


FRANCES (CRISMO"" DP 
THATCHER FAM, ,.. ui 
We were both born in Posh Inn. 
1910. We were married in? started 
diana. We both were raise Making 
and so we lived in Indiana |had th 
Gary and then in 1943 we 3, and 
Sams Farm and then soldek by a 
bought the Carlton and Leor,; aS Pa 

in 1946. So our four childretton. 
Dolores, Mary Alice, and Ru, Jesse’ 
Hebron School. They belong Februa 
ron Methodist Church. We white ch 
year old daughter Duiores inJesse »- 
drowned in Lake Michigan. ? ties 
cated the 1951 year book wan 
my family put gold altar VaSyian, had 

odist Church ‘1 memory oOigrant. 
son Wendell enlisted in thgo a log 
vember 8, 1951 for four yer of Cal 
Alice worked in Gary and Ri The The 
in Chicago. They’re all mart™ Overn! 
have six grandchildren ic 
’ “ther wa 
daughters, Christine Dolores, as a 
four grandsons, Jeff and Jenito the c 
and Joey, and have a §Nilliam 
daughter, Roxann Marie wason what 
tember 18, 1973. on. He 
The farm was in the Dye wage 
now we live here. Always ere orner a 
life and wanted our children; 
children to enjoy it also. 30 the tc 
Belong to Masonic Lodgt1840 it 
Rite Shrine, Aylesworth Nein 1850 


Club, Christian Women ciimet, an 


Steel 25 Year Club. a Indian 
as chang 

This farm house is over 50 Williz 

° e c 

old. Built in 1842. Scat B 


The main part of house aNas will 
are 18 inches thick, made gst dau; 
has two fireplaces where thearried, a 
cooking years ago. We redidThere w 
fireplaces and finished it Decl@S, who 
1953 who mé 


‘LIAM THOMAS SR. 


ST WHITE SETTLERS IN 
CHESTERTON AREA 

bmitted by Oral Smith 

fall of 1830 my great-grand- 
Villiam Thomas, Sr., and fam- 
sse Morgan, and family came 
yesterton area from Wooster, 
covered wagons. 

LLi3. Jesse bought land on the 
Mort Dearborn Post Road, now 

; East Porter Avenue. They 

Moc building calling it The 
Poh Inn. That year the stage- 

ine started from Detroit to Fort 
ise, Making three trips a week. 
ya j|had the first Post Office, 
we 3, and mail was delivered 
sol¢ek by a soldier on horseback. 
eo;,Was patrolled due to the In- 
drejtion. 

Ru, Jesse’s youngest daughter, 
ong February 3, 1834, the first 
Ve white child born in Porter 
. invesse u.-d in February 1853. 
n.# Thomas, Sr. bought land 
she ndian Princess, Mau Ma Nass, 

ther, Chief Pier Moran, a half- 
/AS4ian, had obtained it on a gov- 
Oi grant. 


th80 a log home was built near 
yer of Calumet Road and Porter 
R The Thomas Inn was built in 
art overnight stop between Val- 
and Michigan City. It took 12 
ther way from the inn. This 
refar as a horse could travel a 
Jer'to the condition of the trails. 


gNilliam Thomas, Jr. farm was 
vason what is now the center of 
on. He owned a mill north of 
Coffee Creek, operated by his 
John. His General Store was 


e 
orner of Calumet and Broad- 
=n | 


ye 


30 the town was called Thomas 
dgt 1840 it was changed to Coffee 
Nein 1850 it was changed again 
cimet, and in 1852, when the 

1 Indian Railroad was built, the 

as changed to Chesterton. 

50 William Jr. platted his farm 

ilumet Road to Fifth St. 
aM%A5 William Jr. and Ann Mor- 
> Oest daughter of Jesse Morgan, 
hegrried, and both died in April, 
lid There were two surviving chil- 
Yeclas, who married Ann Beer, and 

who married Charles Haslett. 


Ellena had two daughters, Nora mar- 
ried to Roy Hubbard (both deceased), 
and Oral married to Charles Smith (de- 
ceased). 


CECIL AND MARIE THURNER 
FAMILY 


Cecil and Marie Thurner purchased 
a farm and residence two miles south 
of Hebron in 1935. They moved from 
DeMotte, where Cecil had been man- 
ager and secretary-treasurer of the 
Keener Township Dairy Corporation for 
ten years. Since living in the Hebron 
area, he has held the position of dis- 
trict chairman of the Pure Milk Asso- 
ciation for nearly four years, was coun- 
ty committee chairman of the Agricul- 
ture Adjustment Association, was a 
member of the Porter County Zoning 
Appeal Board for twelve years, and is 
currently chairman of the Boone Town- 
ship School Building Corporation. Ma- 
rie was a charter member of the former 
Busy Bees Home Demonstration Club, 
and is now a member of the Boone 
Township Homemakers. She has been 
a member of the Hebron Fortnightly 
Club since 1940. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Thurner have been active members of 
the Hebron United Methodist Church. 
They have four children. Mrs. W. W. 


White (Joy) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Robert 
Cecil Thurner of Hebron, Mrs. P. G. 
Belanger (Betty) of South Holland, Ill., 
and J. David Thurner of Hebron. They 
have eleven grandchildren. In 1971, 
they moved from their rural home to 
Hebron, where they reside at 326 
Church Street. 


THE JOHN TOFTE JR. FAMILY 


Descendants of the Thomas Paine, 
Lenberg Johnson Rhoda, Johnson Ved- 
en Hellman families, early settlers of 
Porter County, Salt Creek and vicinity. 

They did much to establish 
churches, schools, farms, and commu- 
nities in this area. 

Present survivors include: 
Tofte Sr., John Ina Tofte Jr. 

Children as follows: 

John A. and Linda Tofte; children— 
Kelly, Cathy, Charlene, John IV. 

Nancy and Arnold Rosenbaum; chil- 
dren—Michelle, Renee, Todd. 

Linda and George Rhed; children— 
Matthew, George, Drew. 

Dawn and Eugene Peters; children— 
Lisa, Susan, Donald. 


TOMLIN FAMILY 


John 


Ralph J.—Born Peoria, Ill., 9-5-38. 
Graduate St. Joseph's College 1960. 
Purchased home in Chesterton 2-26-64 
at 527 Park Ave. Worked as Field Agent 
for Internal Revenue Service from July 
1, 1960 to December 31, 1966. Set up 
Accounting Practice on January 1, 
1967 and passed CPA exam May of 
1966 and licensed as a CPA in Septem- 
ber 1, 1972. Married October 24, 1964 
Calumet Rd., Chesterton. Purchased 
Chesterton Package Liquor Store Octo- 
ber 1, 1972. Married Ocotber 24, 1964 
—wife Georgeann. Member of Dune- 
land Jaycees, Past President also Past 
State Treasurer of Indiana Jaycees. JCI 
Senator #12851. Notary Public July 
1975. , 

Georgeann—Born Gary, Ind., 1-9-44. 
Attended Indiana University Gary Cam- 
pus. 24 years in the Girl Scouts and 
currently a National Delegate from East 
Lake-Porter Counties Council. Now an 
active Brownie Leader. Enjoys bowling. 

Veronica Ann—Born July 16, 1965. 
Girl Scout. 

George Damian — Born Sept. 10, 
1966. Cub Scout and plays soccer on 
K of C team at St. Pat's. 

Michelle Marie—Born Aug. 11, 1968. 
Brownie Scout. 

Matthew Howard — Born Jan. 21, 
1970. 

All born at Porter Memorial in Valpo. 

Members of St. Patrick Catholic 
Church Chesterton, In. Children all at- 
tend St. Patrick’s School. 


169 


170 


Ralph—Past Pres. St. Patrick's Holy 
Name Society and presently a commen- 
tator. 


LEWIS AND AMY TURNER 
FROM BEVERLY SHORES 


The Turner family has lived in Bever- 
ly Shores for 35 years, and until a few 
years ago owned a restaurant in Whit- 
ing, Indiana. 

Lewis is a veteran of World War | 
where he served on the Mexican Border 
in 1916 and 1917 and in France from 
1917 to 1919. He is a member of the 
VFW, Post 909 where he held Post 
Commander and Post District Com- 
mander. He has also held membership 
in the Masons, Scottish Rites of South 
Bend, Orak Shrine and Eastern Stars. 

Amy Turner is the VFW Auxiliary Post 
President and Post Department Con- 
ductors. She is also a member of the 
Eastern Stars and American Legion. 

The Turners have two children and 
eight grandchildren. 

Their son, Dick, lives in Talmadge, 
Ohio, and works for the Goodyear Com- 
pany. Loretta lives in Munster, Indiana 
and works for the Hammond Clinic. 
Written by their grandson, Scott Rakos. 


VAN NESS FAMILY 


To record a history of the Van Ness 
family in Valparaiso, one must start 
with grandparents John D. and Nancy 
Brown Wilson, both born in Pennsylva- 
nia, moved to Lake County, Indiana, and 
were married there in 1855. They came 
to Valparaiso to live where Mr. Wilson 
engaged in construction. Five sturdy 
brick homes on North Franklin Street 
attest his ability; also the basic struc- 
ture of the courthouse which suffered a 
fire in 1926. Their daughter, Rachel 
Elizabeth, married Elliott F. Van Ness, 
a native of Michigan who came as a stu- 
dent to Valparaiso University. Mr. Van 
Ness with men in the Wilson family, 
John D. and sons, Edmund and Hylan, 
with John Cameron established the first 
light plant in 1892. Later this was de- 
stroyed by fire. 

In 1900 E. F. Van Ness started an 
electrical merchandising and wiring 
business; this had several locations and 
in 1914 his son, John W. Van Ness, be- 
came a partner. This business remained 
in the family until 1963. John went into 
Naval service in 1917. His father, with 


the aid of his mother, Rachel Van Ness, 
kept the business going to the extent 
of working all night to make light cords 
for the military unit established at Val- 
paraiso University. John, upon dis- 
charge in 1919, resumed duties in the 
electrical firm. 


At the same time, Mrs. E. F. Van Ness 
was in charge of the Red Cross yarn 
distribution. After the war, Mrs. Van 
Ness resumed activity in church work, 
locally and in the district. She was ac- 
tive in the Federated Womans’ Club; she 
established a free clothing dispensary 
for those in desperate need. She as- 
sisted in establishing the Presbyterian 
Resale Shop. The crystal fixtures in the 
Clubhouse were installed in honor of 
Mrs. Van Ness. As Rachel Wilson, she 
was in the first graduating class in the 
Valparaiso High School in 1878. 


John Van Ness served in many civic 
capacities and in 1939 as state senator 
began a twenty year period of service in 
state government; later he served as 
parliamentarian in the state senate. The 
last six years of activity, he spent as 
assistant to the president of Midwest 
Steel, established in Porter County. 


John Van Ness had one sister, Mrs. 
L. E. Collins (1892-1969), of Detroit, 
Michigan. John’s marriage to Harriet 
F. Benjamin of Crown Point took place 
in 1922. Children of this family are 
Charles E. of Mountain Lake, N. J.; 
Nancy (Mrs. G. A.) Myers, Valparaiso, 
and Joe C., of Phoenix, Arizona. Fur- 
ther relatives are eleven grandchildren, 
seven girls and four boys: Victor and 
Virginia Myers (Clark), Caryl, Susan, 
Sara and James, Kathy, Cynthia, David, 
Robert and Tamara Van Ness. 

Submitted by Mrs. J. W. Van Ness 


JOSEPH VASS AND DIANNE 
(WIRTH) VASS 


In September 1959, Joseph and Di- 
anne (Wirth) Vass moved to their first 
home in Portage, Indiana. They were 
former residents of Gary, Indiana. 


After previous experience at U. S. 
Steel and Midwest Steel, Joe was in the 
first group of men to begin working at 
Bethlehem Steel in October of 1964. 
Nine weeks later, Joe rolled the first 
plate on the 160” Plate Mill at the new 
Burns Harbor plant. At that time at the 
age of 25, Joe is believed to be the 
youngest roller in the world. 


During 1965 Joe and Dianne built a 
bi-level home and moved to Old Porter 
Road in Portage. In November of 1968, 
Joe and Dianne joined Joe’s brother and 
his wife, Michael and Delphine Vass, 
and purchased the Pioneer Apartments 
at Chicago and Franklin Sts. in Valpar- 
aiso. One year later, Joe and Dianne 
left Portage and took up residence in 
Valparaiso at the Pioneer Apartments. 

Joe and Dianne have four children. 

David, 16, is a junior at Valparaiso 
High School. David, who is employed 
by Jade East Restaurant, enjoys playing 
basketball. 

Joni, 13, attends St. Paul’s eighth 
grade. Joni plays the guitar. She also 
enjoys volleyball, basketball, and track. 

Janine, 11, is in 6th grade at St. 
Pauls. ‘Jeannie’ belongs to St. Paul’s 
Girl Scouts. 

Dan, 9, is a 3rd grader at St. Paul's. 
Dan dreams of the day he can have his 
own motorcycle and a house full of cats. 


The Vass family are members of St. 
Paul Parish. 

Joe is a board member and past 
president of the Bethlehem Credit Un- 
ion. He belongs to the K of C and bowls 
with the Bethlehem Friday night men’s 
league. 

Dianne is a board member of St. 
Paul Oasis Club, a member of Church- 
women United and Welcome Wagon 
Alumni. She enjoys bowling in the Tues- 
day afternoon ladies league and playing 
bridge. Dianne is a member of the vol- 
unteer secretarial staff at St. Paul’s 
School. 


The whole family enjoys their sum- 
mer residence on Flint Lake, where they 
have become enthusiastic boaters and 
fishermen. 


MICHAEL AND EMMA 
(HORVATH) VASS 


In December 1969, Michael Vass Sr. 
retired from U. S. Steel after 45 years 
of service. It was almost five years 
later, on September 1, 1974, that 
Michael and Emma (Horvath) Vass 
moved from Merrilleville, Indiana, to 
the Pioneer Apartments in Valparaiso. 

Emma Horvath Vass was born on 
the 4th of July, 1914. 


Mike and Emma Vass have four chil- 
dren, Michael Jr., Joseph, and Dorothy 
(Vass) Church, all of Valparaiso, and 
Emma (Vass) Pazos of Princeton, 
Illinois 


t ¢ 


Aus 
his 
hav 
ber: 
on é 
Viet 
(no\ 
Mic 
pan 
Eval 
Gre 
vers 
ate 
Nort 
ter. 
ing, 
Pau 
W 
prac 
beca 
beca 
of tt 
past 
and | 
hosp 
ing 
serve 
Bure 
hospi 
Fort 
Mont 
two y 
leen, 


In 
surge 
was h 
in th 
geons 
is als 
domir 
cal Sc 
Ciatior 
Ciatior 
as al 
from 
North 
Metho 
the fo 
from 
Vietzk 


They are members of St. Paul Parish 
and the Valparaiso Elks. Emma Vass 
has joined the Valparaiso Topps Club 
and the Welcome Wagon. Mike provides 
a helping hand to his sons in the care 
and upkeep of their apartment building. 


VIETZKE FAMILY 


Since they came to Porter County in 
August, 1941, Dr. Paul C. F. Vietzke. 
his wife, Alice, and their four children 
have been active, contributing mem- 
bers of the Valparaiso community. Born 
on a farm near Stanwood, Michigan, Dr. 
Vietzke was educated at Ferris Institute 
(now Ferris State College) Big Rapids, 
Michigan, Chicago Training School (now 
part of Garrett Evangelical Seminary, 
Evanston, Ill.) Depauw University 
Greencastle, Indiana, and Indiana Uni- 
versity School of Medicine, with gradu- 
ate work at Cook County Hospital and 
Northwestern University Medical Cen- 


ter. Mrs. Vietzke is a graduate of Whit- 


ing, Indiana, public schools and De- 
Pauw University. 

When they decided to enter private 
practice the Vietzkes chose Valparaiso 


_ because it was near both their homes, 


because of the strong encouragement 
of the Reverend Russell B. Kern, then 
pastor of the First Methodist Church, 
and because of the excellent new county 
hospital, Porter Memorial. Before com- 
ing to Valparaiso the Vietzkes had 
served the American Indians under the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs in government 
hospitals in Albuquerque, New Mexico; 
Fort Defiance, Arizona; Crow Agency, 
Montana, and Talihina, Oklahoma. Their 
two younger children, Wesley and Kath- 
leen, were born on reservations. 


In 1940, because of his work as chief 
surgeon in BIA hospitals, Dr. Vietzke 
was honored by election to membership 
in the International College of Sur- 
geons, of which he is a Life Fellow. He 
is also a member of the Society of Ab- 
dominal Surgeons, Porter County Medi- 
cal Society, Indiana State Medical Asso- 
ciation and the American Medical Asso- 
ciation. He served DePauw University 
as a member of the Board of Trustees 
from 1946 to 1966, elected by the 
Northwest Indiana Conference of the 
Methodist Church. During those years 
the four Vietzke children all graduated 
from DePauw with distinction. Dr. 
Vietzke has always been an active, loyal 


member of his church, serving locally 
as member of the administrative board, 
trustee, lay member of annual confer- 
ence, and on district and conference 


boards of church location. He is a 
twenty-five year member of Kiwanis 
Club, American Legion, and several Ma- 
sonic bodies— Porter Lodge 137, 
F. & A.M.; South Bend Consistory, Scot- 
tish Rite, and Orak Shrine, Hammond. 

Because of his heavy medical prac- 
tice he could not be as active in civic 
affairs as he would have liked. So he 
encouraged Mrs. Vietzke to participate. 
She needed little encouragement, and 
over the years worked in many educa- 
tional and service organizations: P.T.A., 
Band Parents, Cub Scouts, Y.M.C.A., 
V.N.A., Church Women United. She 
served as President of the American As- 
sociation of University Women, Valpar- 
aiso Woman’s Club, and the Family Ser- 
vice Association of Porter County, which 
she helped organize. For seventeen 
years, from 1952 to 1969, she was a 
member of the City Plan Commission, 
part of the time also on the Board of 
Zoning Appeals. Named Woman of Dis- 
tinction in Valparaiso in 1956, she re- 
ceived an Alumni Citation from DePauw 
in 1961. But her church work always 
came first. She served for many years 
as a member of the administrative 
board, work area of Missions, lay mem- 
ber of conference, and was active in all 
levels of the United Methodist Women. 
But the most difficult and rewarding 


was her work with youth Junior High, 
High School and College. She taught a 
high school class for twenty-five years 
and kept in touch with many when they 
went away to college or service as rep- 
resentative of the United Methodist 
Women. 

All the Vietzke children were involved 
with church, school and community 
while they were here, but only one is 
currently living in Valparaiso. Paul C., 
M.D., is a Board-certified specialist in 
Internal Medicine on the faculty of the 
University of California Medical School 
in San Francisco. He has two sons, Paul 
and Jeffrey. Joyce (Mrs. Melvin Allen), 
is an elementary teacher in Charlotte, 
North Carolina. They have four chil- 
dren, Jeffrey and Pamela in college, and 
Craig and Cynthia. Wesley, M.D., also 
a Board-certified Internist, has just 
joined a group practice at Yale Univer- 
sity after several years as associate 
dean of the University of Connecticut 
Medical School. They have two children, 
Gay Elizabeth and Robert Paul. Kath- 
leen (Mrs. Donald Evans), graduated 
from Valparaiso University Law School 
in 1974, Kathleen and Don are prac- 
ticing with Gary Legal Aid. and living in 
Valparaiso. They have one daughter, 
Melissa. 

For twenty years, from 1942 to 1962, 
the Vietzkes lived at 60 Jefferson St., 
Valparaiso. They remodeled the sixteen 
room home built by the Leonards in 
1905 and later used as apartments and 


171 


172 


a funeral home, so that the first floor 
was a modern, well-equipped medical 
office, and the second and third floors 
the family home. When Dr. Vietzke 
joined in building the Valparaiso Medi- 
cal Center at 1005 Campbell, the fam- 
ily moved to a new home in Forest Park. 
The Jefferson Street building was sold 
to Drs. Jack and Tom Dittmer for their 
medical offices. 


Dr. Vietzke passed away while this 
book was being published. 


VNUK FAMILY 


Hi, my name is David Vnuk, this is 
my wife Mary Jo and our son Aaron. 
My wife and | moved to Porty County in 
December of 1968. Prior to that we 
lived in Wisconsin all our lives. | was 
born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, went to 
school there and graduated from high 
school in 1959. | went to the University 
of Wisconsin Extension Center for one 
and one half years and then enlisted in 
the Air Force. | was stationed in Texas 
most of the time but did spend one and 
one half years in Turkey. During my ser- 
vice | attended classes at San Angelo 
State College. Upon discharge from ser- 
vice | returned to Manitowoc and was 
employed as a computer programmer 
for a local company where my wife also 
was employed. I'll let my wife tell you 
about herself. 

Hi! | was born in Two Rivers, Wiscon- 
sin and went to school there and grad- 
uated from high school in 1965. That 
summer | entered our local Miss Two 
Rivers pagent and finished first runner- 
up in the competition. After one year 
at college | became employed at the 
same office where my husband worked. 
We were married on October 19, 1968 
and moved to Valparaiso in December. 
My husband became employed at Mid- 
west Steel Corporation which was how 
we happened to move here. The follow- 
ing January | started working at North- 
ern Indiana Bank and Trust Company 
where | worked until | retired recently 
to start our family. Our son Aaron was 
born in November of 1974 and we are 
so excited about being parents and 
hope to have more children. 

My husband has always been active 
in bowling and softball so one of the 
first things he did was sign up to bowl 
in the local leagues and play softball 
in the park district’s fast pitch league, 


where he’s played for a number of 
years. 

About three years after we moved 
here we began to become involved in 
organizations and clubs. Dave joined 
Knights of Columbus and held one of 
the offices during 1974-75. Since we 
married and moved he took up golfing 
and plays on Midwest Steels league 
and was secretary of the league during 
its 1974 season. He recently joined the 
Elks Club and likes it very much be- 
cause we’ve met new friends and al- 
ways have a great time at their dances 
and dinners. 

| joined the Oasis Club of St. Pauls 
about three years after we moved and 
held the office of treasurer during the 
1972-73 year. | also have joined K of C 
wives and am treasurer for 1975-76. | 
can’t seem to get away from that job. 

Both my husband and myself are 
very active in St. Paul’s Catholic 
Church. Mr. husband is lector and com- 
mentator and | am a song leader and | 
count Sunday collection once in a while. 
The banking experience really helps 
here. 

We've enjoyed living here because 
the snow isn’t quite so deep in the win- 
ter and the weather is much warmer in 
the summer than where we came from. 
The people here are friendly. Also, liv- 
ing in Northern Indiana we have easy 
access to four other states if we wish 
to travel anywhere. 


RONALD P. VOLLRATH 


My dad, Ronald P. Vollrath, is 6’2”’ 
tall, has brown hair, hazel eyes and is 
an Assistant Chief Draftsman at Mc- 
Gills. He is 40 years old. My mom, Pa- 
tricia L. Vollrath, is 5’4” tall, has brown 
hair, gray blue eyes and she is a clerk 
at Wendt Bros. Drugstore. She is 36 
years old. My brother, Matt W. Voll- 
rath, is 5’ tall, has blonde hair, blue 


eyes and is 12 years old, and me, Julie 
A. Vollrath is 4’6” tall, with blonde hair, 
blue eyes, and 10 years old. We have 
been residents of Kouts for 8 years. We 
came to Kouts because we knew a man 
who built houses and we needed a new 
home. Both my parents were born and 
raised in Indianapolis. My brother and | 
were also born in Indianapolis and lived 
there until we were 5 weeks old. We 
then moved to Valparaiso and we lived 
there until | was 2 and Matt was 4, then 
we moved here. We love to camp and 
we do quite a bit of it. In fact, we went 
to Penn. this year and saw the Liberty 
Bell, Gettysburg Battlefield, Liberty 
Hall, Phila. Mint, Hershey Park, Betsy 
Ross’ house, Benjamin Franklin’s 
grave, Valley Forge, and Independence 
Hall. We also went and saw lots of Lin- 
coln stuff this year. We have one fe- 
male dog Trixie, and we will have a 
kitty soon. We are glad we live in Kouts. 


THE WAGGONER FAMILY 


James R. Waggoner accepted a 
teaching position with Portage High 
School as an industrial arts-vocational 
welding instructor in the fall of 1966 
and moved to Chesterton from his 
hometown of Greentown, Indiana. 
James is a graduate of Indiana State 
University in Terre Haute, Indiana. On 
June 25, 1967, James married Aleda 
Gettle of Clay City, Indiana, and they 
set up their first home in Chesterton. 
Aleda, also a graduate of Indiana State 
University, has a degree in nursing. 
She has worked at Porter Memorial 
Hospital, taught practical nurses and 
has also taught kindergarten. 

In January of 1970 the Waggoners 
purchased a home on North River Drive 
in Chesterton (Porter) and have lived 
at that residence since then. 

The Waggoners have two children: 
Shawn Richard born on November 3, 
1971 and Jamee Johnelle born March 
22, 1974. The Waggoners expect their 
third child around the first of Novem- 
ber 1975. 


WALDORPH FAMILY 


Harry D. Waldorph and Lottie A. 
Hicks were married October 24, 1906 
in Chicago. Lottie was the daughter of 
William T. and Mary (Pratt) Hicks. She 
had four sisters. Lottie lived her entire 
life in Porter County. Harry was born 


in Yale, Michigan and was the oldest of 
five girls and three boys. He came from 
Yale to Chicago and then to Porter 
County for the rest of his life. They 
celebrated their fiftieth wedding anni- 
versary in their home in Valparaiso in 
1956. 

Harry operated service stations in 
the Valparaiso area for many years. He 
was also a bookkeeper for Thompson's 
Dairy in Chesterton before retiring. 
Lottie was employed for more than fif- 
teen years at the former Continental 
Diamond Fibre Co. She was a member 
of King’s Daughters and they were 
members of the First Christian Church 
of Valparaiso. 

They were the parents of six chil- 
dren. Ruth, the eldest, married Edward 
Reibly October 24, 1926. They had four 
sons and one daughter. All five are mar- 
ried and the Reiblys have nineteen 
grandchildren and two great grandchil- 
dren. They now reside in Hebron. 


Helen married Harvey Shearer No- - 


vember 2, 1930. They have two married 
daughters and five grandchildren. All 
reside on division road in Morgan Twp. 


Harry E. was married to June Bevier 
on June 18, 1950. He was a navy vete- 
ran and resided in Elkhart until his 
death following heart surgery on May 
2,1961. 


Mildred married Willard Knauer July 
25, 1937. They had one boy and one 
girl. Their son was killed in an auto 
crash at the age of twenty-three. Their 
daughter married and has three sons. 
The Knauers reside in Merrillville. 


Mary Alice married Lawrence Luding- 
ton September 6, 1936. They have two 
daughters, one son, and five grandchil- 
dren. They make their home on Boone 
Grove. 

William F. married Vesha Gerash 
Hershey on June 12, 1954. They have 
two sons and two daughters and live 
in Hobart. 

Harry D. Waldorph died at the age of 
84 on November 13, 1963. Lottie died 
May 19, 1974 at 91 years. 

Submitted by Lawrence Ludington 


GEORGE A. WALSH FAMILY 


The George Allen Walsh family in- 
cludes Rebecca Spitler Walsh, Arlene 
Joyce Walsh, Nancy Carol Walsh, Greg- 
ory Allen Walsh, Linda Kluever Walsh 
(Wife of Gregory), and Matthew Scott 


Walsh (5 year old son of Gregory and 
Linda). 

George is a native of Wheeler, Indi- 
ana and Becky from Rensselaer, Indi- 
ana. They are alumni of Wheeler High 
School and have lived in Valparaiso 
since 1935. Their children are Arlene, 
Nancy and Gregory. Each graduated 
from Valparaiso High School. Further- 
ing their education, Ariene graduating 
from South Bend Business College. She 
is now employed at Indiana Information 
Controls, Valparaiso, as a bookkeeper. 
Nancy graduated from Valparaiso Uni- 
versity with a Bachelor of Science De- 
gree, then obtained a Master of Arts 
Degree from Ball State. She is now the 
Girls Athletic Director and Physical Ed- 
ucation teacher at the Valparaiso High 
School. Gregory has a Bachelor of 
Science Degree in Business Administra- 
tion from Valparaiso University and ob- 
tained a Master’s Degree from Loyola. 
He served four years in the Air Force 
and is now accountant Manager at 
Johnson and Johnson in Chicago. Lin- 
da, Greg’s wife has a Bachelor of 
Science Degree in Social Studies ob- 
tained from Valparaiso University. She 
is the Executive Director of Reach Out 
in Blue Island, Illinois. 

George participated in various sports 
all of his life. At present his favorite ex- 
ercise in golf. He served two years as 
National President of Delta Sigma Fra- 
ternity and seven years on the Valpa- 
raiso Board of Zoning Appeals. George 
retired from the McGill Manufacturing 
Company after 44 years of service. At 
present, he and his wife are enjoying 
the leisure life between Naples, Florida, 
and Valparaiso. 


THE JOSEPH ALLEN WARREN 
FAMILY 


On February 21, 1911 Joseph Allen 
Warren (1870-1948) with his wife Mary 
Imogene (Philpott) Warren (1873- 
1944) and children Myrna, Elliott 
(1902-1970), Seral (1904-1973), Har- 
ris and Allen came from Lincoln, Ne- 
braska to Pleasant Township, Porter 
County, Indiana. Phorhe (b. 1911). and 
Forest (b. 1913) were born to the fam- 
ily in Porter County. Mr. Warren held 
bachelor’s, master’s and doctor of phil- 
osophy degrees from the University of 
Nebraska and was a member of Sigma 
Xi, the national scientific honor society. 

Mr. Warren came to manage the 


Reeves Ranch at Kouts. The Grassmere 
Land Company was formed by him and 
the heirs of Arthur Reeves. Mr. War- 
ren served as treasurer and manager of 
this company until his retirement in 
1943. 


Having drained the marsh in the 
Grasmere area, Mr. Warren sweetened 
the soils with lime and increased the 
fertility with commercial fertilizer until 
he was able to produce 130 bushels of 
open pollinated corn per acre. This 
yield was just under the World’s record 


for corn production at that time. He 


spent much time lecturing and talking 
to individuals to explain his approach 
to increasing crop production per acre. 

He was the first president of the In- 
diana Farm Management Association 
and was active in the Indiana Farm Bu- 
reau which he helped to organize and 
establish. He was also active in the In- 
diana Corn Grower's Association, In- 
diana dairymen associations and other 
farm organizations. 

Representing the Joseph Allen War- 
ren family in Porter County today are— 
Mrs. Elliott (Albertena Landfadt) War- 
ren (Kouts), Mrs. Arthur (Myrna War- 
ren) Tuesburg (Kouts), grandsons Ar- 
thur C., Tuesburg Jr., realtor (Valpa- 
raiso), James D. Tuesburg, farmer (Lib- 
erty Twp), six great grandchildren and 
two great great grandchildren. 

Submitted by Myrna Tuesburg and 

Forest Warren 


MR. AND MRS. AVERY B. 
(FRANCES TILTON) WEAVER 


Avery was born in Rochester, N.Y. on 
May 15, 1900, son of Dr. and Mrs. 
John E. Weaver, where he attended 
public schools. He came to Valparaiso, 
Ind. in Nov. 1921, a Navy veteran of 
World War One, and enrolled in Valpa- 
raiso University, was editor of The 
Torch, cartoonist of The Record, re- 
ceived a B.C.S. degree in 1925. While 
attending the university he met Frances 
Tilton, of Valparaiso, student in the 
University Law School. They were mar- 
ried on Nov. 14, 1925, and moved to 
Chicago where they lived several years. 
In Mar. 1927 Avery accepted employ- 
ment from Lynn M. Whipple, publisher 
of The Evening Messenger. In July, 
1927, The Messenger merged with The 
Daily Vidette and the local newspaper 
was known as The Vidette-Messenger. 


173 


174 


Mr. Whipple passed away in 1939 and 
Avery continued the publication of the 
paper as general manager and trea- 
surer until he retired in the fall of 1965. 
During his association with the news- 
paper he became known as ‘‘Mr. Vi- 
dette- Messenger,” was active in 
civic, political and social affairs. He 
holds a life membership in the Val- 
paraiso Chamber of Commerce for his 
dedication to the community; he served 
as a member of the board of the Indi- 
ana Rivers and Harbors Commission 
for a number of years; a plaque from 
the Rotary Club for his many years of 
devotion and loyal service, and a char- 
ter from Gov. Whitcomb of the state of 
Indiana declaring him a Distinguished 
Hoosier for his dedication and loyalty to 
the state of Indiana, along with many 
other certificates of merit. He also ob- 
tained acknowledgement with his avo- 
cation, painting, receiving recognition 
and awards from both the Hoosier and 
the Northern Indiana Art Salons, as well 
as local exhibits. One of his oil paint- 
ings was selected by the Sloan Com- 
mittee for its permanent collection at 
Valparaiso U. 

Frances was born in Hays, Kansas, 
on May 29, 1904, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Ira C. Tilton, both teachers and ad- 
ministrators in the Kansas _ public 
school system. They came to Valparaiso 
in 1907 where both continued their ed- 
ucation at Valparaiso University. Mr. 
Tilton was enrolled as a student-teach- 
er and obtained his B. S. degree in 
1909. Mrs. Tilton was active in school 
circles, the suffrage movement, Wo- 
man’s Club, and the Methodist Church. 
She died on May 27, 1949. Mr. Tilton 
taught in the area public schools until 
1914, when he opened his law office 
in downtown Valparaiso, and continued 
in active practice until his death on 
Mar. 31, 1971. He had a distinguished 
career in Valparaiso political, educa- 
tional and community affairs. He was 
well known as a lecturer, writer, served 
as County Chairman of the Democrat 
Party, county attorney, city attorney, as- 
sistant prosecuting attorney, Judge of 
the Porter Circuit Court, ever willing to 
give aid to the underprivileged. The 


Bar Association of Porter County pre- 
sented to him a plaque on Mar. 4, 
1971, which reads ‘‘In recognition of 
57 years of service to the citizens of 
Porter county in active practice of law 


and Juris Prudence, in Porter County, 
ind.”’ 

Frances graduated from Valparaiso 
Public Schools, and the Law School of 
Valparaiso University in 1925, the first 
girl to graduate from the local H.S. to 
practice law and the first girl from the 
Law School with licenses to practice 
law in two states, Indiana and Illinois. 
She was an associate member of the 
law firm of Vose and Vose, 140 S. Dear- 
born St., Chicago, for a period of 7 
years, during which time she was in 
civil practice in the courts in Chicago. 
In 1933 she returned to Valparaiso 
when she was appointed fee attorney 
for the Home Owners’ Loan Corp. (a 
special Act provided by Congress dur: 
ing the depression). She was in civil 
practice with her father, was the first 
woman to serve as special judge in the 
Porter Circuit Court, and was first Val- 
paraiso City Planning Commission 
chairwoman. She served on the Valpa- 
raiso City Library board, the YMCA 
board, was county president of the Fed- 
erated Clubs, president of the League 
of Women Voters, and the local chapter 
of Tri Kappa and held several appoint- 
ments on Tri Kappa state committees, 
Presbyterian church boards, parliamen- 
tarian for the Porter Memorial Hospital 
Guild, from the date of its organization 
in 1939 to the present time, in addition 
to participating in community activi- 
ties, in cooperation with her newspaper 
executive husband, Avery B. Weaver 

Submitted by Avery B. Weaver 

(Mr. Weaver passed away shortly be- 
fore the publication of this history 
book). 


° 
a 


PAUL AND EVONE WERSKEY 
FAMILY 


In April 1967 | was employed by Por- 
ter Memorial Hospital for the position 
of Assistant Administrator and General 
Business Manager and have been em- 
ployed in that capacity since that time. 


We moved to Valparaiso in June 1967. 

The following is a brief summary oi 
information about our family prior te 
moving to Valparaiso. 

Evone was born in Mt. Morris, Illi 
nois, graduated from Mt. Morris Higt 
School, Rockford Memorial Hospita 
School of Nursing, and the Northwesi 
ern University School of Nurse Anes 
thetists. 


| was born in Vernon, Indiana, grad. 
uated from Vernon High School and 
Valparaiso University with a BA in Busi- 
ness Administration and Business Edu- 
cation. 


Evone and | met in Rockford, Illinois 
when | was in military service station- 
ed at Camp Grant, Illinois. Evone and 
| were married in October, 1942 at Fal- 
mouth, Massachusetts while | was sta- 
tioned at Camp Edwards, Massachu- 
setts. At the end of World War II | de- 
cided to remain in Military Service as 
an Officer in the Army Medical Service. 
My primary military assignments in- 
cluded U. S. Army Hospital, Ft. Meade, 
Maryland, Overseas Supply Division, 
New York Port of Embarkation, Fifth 
Army Surgeons Office in Chicago and 
with the U.S. Army Hospital, Landstuhl, 
Germany. 


| retired from Military Service follow- 
ing which | taught school at Hammond 
High School and was Manager of a 
Medical Clinic prior to my employment 
with Porter Memorial Hospital. 

Evone has been employed as a Nurse 
Anesthetist at St. Margaret's Hospital 
in Hammond, Indiana, St. James Hos- 
pital in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Our 
Lady of Mercy Hospital, Dyer, Indiana 
and is presently employed by Starke 
Memorial Hospital as a Staff Anesthe- 
tist. 


In our spare and leisure time we en- 
joy travel, Music and Theater, playing 
duplicate and contract bridge, reading, 
golf, and sports in general. 

We have two children, Gary and Lin- 
da. Gary is now 32 years of age, mar- 
ried and lives in London, England. Gary 
graduated from Northwestern Univer- 
sity and has a PHD from Harvard Uni- 
versity. His wife Jennifer is a graduate 
of Oxford University and is currently a 
member of the teaching staff at Lei- 
cester University in the Social Studies 
Department. Gary is a member of the 
teaching staff at University of Bath in 
the History of Science Department, has 


5 
} 


worked with the British Broadcasting 
System on special programs, reviewer 
for Nature Magazine, and is currently 
working on the completion of a book 
on his Doctorate Thesis. 


Linda was married in June 1972 to 
Michael Williams and they live here in 
Valparaiso. Linda is a graduate of Val- 
paraiso University with a BA with a Ma- 
jor in German and Education. Michael 
is a graduate of Depauw University 
with a BS in Music and has a Masters 
Degree in Music from Valparaiso Uni- 
versity. Michael is a member of the 
Teaching Staff of the Portage School 
System and teaches band and Music 
Education at Fegly Junior High School. 


LEONARD L. WETMORE 
FAMILY 


The Valparaiso experiences of the 
Leonard L. Wetmore family is divided 
into three paragraphs, each paragraph 
covers a decade. 

In July of 1946 Leonard L. Wetmore, 
a recent graduate of Indiana College of 
Mortuary Science, came to Valparaiso 
employed as an embalmer for Howard 
LePell Funeral Home. He made his tem- 
porary home with Mr. and Mrs. Jake 
Edelman at 201 Monroe St. known then 
as Mead Apartments. His wife, Doris- 
ann, and 8 year old son, David, joined 
him in January 1947 which was the 
first opportunity to find a 2 bedroom 
apartment in an acute city housing 
shortage following World War Il. Start- 
ing as a twenty-eight year old Freshman 
at Valparaiso University, Dorisann 
earned in three and one-half years a BA 
degree and was teaching at Cook’s Cor- 
ners School. She had also served as a 
County Probation Officer on a part time 
basis with Mr. Kenneth Wolf, Chief Pro- 
bation Officer. Dorisann and Mrs. 
Thomas C. Hall of Chesterton organized 
the Porter County Mental Health Asso- 
ciation in 1954. Leonard and Dorisann 
purchased the beautiful old two-story 
home with leaded paned windows, open 
stair well and massive fireplace at 152 
Jefferson. This home stood directly 
north of Hotel Lembke, and they moved 
it east on Lincolnway and south on 
Franklin to its present location at 102 
Brown St. in 1955. Son David was a 
pupil at St. Paul Elementary School and 
during his formative years earned many 
blue ribbons at hobby shows for his ex- 
tensive collection of horses, and re- 


ceived numerous honors in Scouting in- 
cluding ‘‘Order of the Arrow’’. In Febru- 
ary 1952 Leonard started his political 
career aS a nominee for Porter County 
Coroner, he was defeated in the Pri- 
mary by Hallard A. Flynn, a Chesterton 
Funeral Director, but Leonard was ap- 
pointed and served for 10 years as 
County Deputy Coroner. 

The decade from 1956 to 1966 held 
many exciting moments for the Wet- 
mores. David graduated from VHS, and 
continued his education in Florida at 
the University of Miami. Keith Chidest- 
er Wetmore was born into the family, 
and subsequently Miss Grace Stibbe as- 
sumed the governess duties with un- 
limited love and constant concern until 
her death when Keith was seven. Doris- 
ann earned an MS degree from Indiana 
University and served as Director of 
Special Education in Merrillville 
Schools. In 1958 David married Patri- 
cia Lorence from Lowell, and estab- 
lished their home in the city. Here their 
daughter, Tracey, and son, Mark, were 
born. In February of 1961 Leonard and 
Dorisann purchased the Howard LePell 
business, and it was renamed the Wet- 
more Funeral Home, Inc. In May of 
1964 they opened their new facility on 
Roosevelt Rd., occupying the east side 
of the 100 block—the first complete, 
all-new funeral establishment in Porter 
County. During this decade Leonard 
served one term (4 years) upon ap- 
pointment of the Governor of Indiana 
to the State Board of Funeral Directors 
and Embalmers. 

Many more interesting events occur- 
red during 1966 and to the present. In 
November of that year Leonard was 
elected Republican Coroner of Porter 
County and served almost eight years 
in that office. His last year was inter- 
rupted by his election to the County 
Council in November of 1974. At this 
time he is a candidate for Mayor of 
Valparaiso having won the nomination 
over John Worstell in May. Son David 
graduated from Purdue University and 
is living as fourth generation on the 
family homestead at Kentland. Son 
Keith graduated from VHS in 1956 dur- 
ing which time he participated with VU 
Players, Community Theatre Guild, 
starring in ‘‘Forty Carats’’, spent two 
summers in Interlochen Music Camp, 
Michigan, a summer internship with 
Congressman Earl F. Landgrebe, played 
first chair position tuba with All State 


Band, was elected Master Councilor of 
Valparaiso DeMolay, earned placement 
in Accelerated Program at Northwest- 
ern University where is currently an 
honor student. Leonard received two 
special honors: an award for ten years 
as Chairman of Porter County Red 
Cross Chapter, and the Special Service 
Award from Indiana State Police. Doris- 
ann was named by Mayor Elden Kuehl 
to the City Plan Commission and first 
woman member of the Board of the 
Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Com- 
merce. Earlier in the decade John 
Wiggins, Mayor, had appointed her to 
the first and only City Comic Book Com- 
mission. She is currently leading a rape 
prevention group proud of its 400 
members. She has traveled on all con- 
tinents except Africa and Anarctica. 
The Spokesman, National Funeral Di- 
rector and Vidette-Wessenger have pub- 
lished her articles. Leonard or Dorisann 
are currently or have been active in the 
following organizations: Valparaiso Wo- 
man’s Club, American Association of 
University Women, Porter Cancer 
Board, Church Women United, Metho- 
dist Church, Community Concert Asso- 
ciation, Porter County Historical Socie- 
ty, Porter Memorial Hospital Guild, Val- 
paraiso U. and Indiana U. Alumni Asso- 
ciation, St. Paul Church, Unicef Drives, 
Farm Buraeu, Republican Woman’s 
Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Protec- 
tive Association of Porter Co. and 
Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Com- 
merce. 


CECIL WHITE FAMILY 


My Mother, Father and Brenda 
moved here 12 years ago. Kristi and 
| were born in Porter County. | lived 
here for ten years. Kristi lived here for 
eight years. My Dad likes to play ball 
a lot. My Mom likes to play tennis. 
Brenda and | like to play Yahtzee and 
Speed. Kristi and | like to play every- 
thing. There are a lot of things to do 
here. | like to go to school because it 
is fun in fifth grade. | didn’t like 1-3 
grades. It was not fun. | like Miss Night- 
ingale. She is nice. We all like it here. 
Because it is nice and fun here. 

By Kelly White 
Cecil White 34 
Penny White 31 
Brenda White 12 
Kelly White 10 
Kristi White 8 


175 


176 


HERBERT WILSON FAMILY 


The Herbert Wilson family has lived 
in Valparaiso for only one year, but they 
have been residents of Porter County 
all their lives. Herbert is the son of 
the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilson, 
life long residents of Lake and Porter 
Counties. He is a crane operator at In- 
land Steel. Mrs. Wilson (Evelyn) is the 
daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bry- 
ant Applegate of Hebron who were 
members of one of the first families of 
Porter County. Evelyn is cataloger for 
Valparaiso-Porter County Libraries. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are gradu- 
ates of Hebron High School, as are all 
five of their children. 


Their daughter Cheryl is married to 
Robert Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. 
John Wilson of Portage. Cheryl and Bob 
also live in Portage and are on the 
teaching staff of Portage Twp. Schools. 
They have a five-year-old daughter, 
Jennifer. 

Their second daughter, Cecile, is 
married to James Deardorff, son of Mr. 
and Mrs. Clarence Deardorff of Teft. 
They live in Kouts with their son Doug: 
las who was born in June, 1975. Jim 
works for the Valparaiso School sys- 
tem. 

The Wilson’s son Byron is married to 
Constance Heine. She is the daughter of 
the late Lloyd Heine and Mrs. June 
Heine of Hebron. They have two daugh- 
ters, Tameron 6 and Nicole 4. Byron is 
employed by U. S. Steel and lives in 
rural Hebron. 

Vicki is married to Ronald Ander- 
shock. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Alvin Andershock of Chesterton. Vicki 
is on the bookkeeping staff of Tittles 
and Ron is a steelworker. 


Their youngest daughter Colleen is 
married to Keith Fitzpatrick, son of Mr. 
and Mrs. Ryan Fitzpatrick of Hebron. 
Keith is employed at Bethlehem Steel 
and Colleen is a waitress at the Waffle 
Shop in Valparaiso. 


WELLS 


Rufus P. Wells was born December 
15, 1817 in Athens County Ohio. At 
the age of 17, he and his half uncle 
and family moved to Elkhart County 
Indiana until the spring of 1838. He 
came to Porter County and worked at 
odd jobs for four years. He then en- 


Mr. and Mrs. Chester Gilson 


gaged in teaching winters and working 
summers. On September 30, 1849 he 
married Miss Maria Smith and moved 
to his 320 acre farm in Porter Twp. 
which he had purchased in 1844. In 
1870 he was elected to the office of 
clerk of courts of Porter County by the 
Republican party taking his seat in Nov. 
1871. He was re-elected and served in 
all 8 years. He was a member of the 
Christian Church and Masonic Lodge. 
His wife died in 1875 leaving three chil- 
dren, John Q., Orrin and Mary (mar- 
ried C. E. Mandeville). He married Ruth 
Shenck of England in 1878. Mr. Wells 
died in 1911 at the home now occupied 
by the John Q. Wells at the age of 93. 

John Q. Wells married Miss Hattie 
Coates in Alliance, Ohio, March 5, 
1874 and lived on the home farm (now 
the home of the John Garriots in east 
Porter Twp.). He was in politics too be- 
sides farming. When his health didn’t 
permit him to farm he sold out and 
spent sometime in Chicago and finally 
lived on Michigan St. in Valparaiso. He 
died of a heart attack at the age of 64. 
Four children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Wells, Burgess, Grace, Mary and 
Ruth. All are deceased. 

Mary Wells born March 29, 1887, 
married Arthur Gilson of rural Hebron 
Oct. 1, 1903 at the home of her par- 
ents. They started housekeeping on a 
farm in Boone Twp. on a farm owned by 
Clinton Gilson, living in an old school 
house located on the farm until the 
house was finished in the spring. She 
was very active in O.E.S. being worthy 
matron in 1930, holding every office in 
the Hebron Chapter and secretary for 
many years until her death in Feb. 28, 
1968. She was a member of the Chris- 
tion Church of Boone Grove and a char- 
ter member of the Aylesworth Club 


which was started Oct. 12, 1912. 

Clinton Gilson and Rosa Kerr were 
married Sept. 2, 1873. They lived on a 
farm in Boone Twp. now occupied by 
Lewis Gilson. Four boys were born (2 
died in infancy), Otto and Arthur. Ar- 
thur and Mary lived on the farm most 
of the time except two years staying at 
the Otto Gilson home. They moved back 
to their farm living in the home pur- 
chased from Mr. and Mrs. Ed Miller. 
Arthur served on the advisory board of 
Boone Twp. in 1938 when the new He- 
bron School was built where it now 
stands, also at the same time was on 
the advisory board for the new Porter 
Memorial Hospital. He passed away in 
the hospital Jan. 3, 1969. One son, 
Chester David was born Sept. 25, 1905. 
Chester married Edna E. Rampke Oct. 
1, 1933 at the home of her parents in 
Boone Grove. 


William Rampke and Miss Mary 
Schultz were married in Riverdale, Ill., 
Feb. 20, 1890. Two years later they 
moved to a farm which they purchased 
3 miles south west of Valparaiso near 
the old Leonard Schoolhouse. Eight 
children were born to this union, six 
still living. Twenty years later they 
moved to a farm known as the Robert 
Wark farm, 1 mile east of Boone Grove. 
After 11 years of farming they moved 
to the house across the schoolhouse. 
He was janitor of the school when Clay- 
ton Phillips was trustee. 


Chester spent the first eight grades 
in the Aylesworth School which was lo- 
cated on the west side of the road be- 
tween the bridge and State Road 8. The 
last four years of high school was in 
Boone Grove, graduating in 1925. Edna 
spent all 12 years there graduating in 
1928. 


Chester and Edna have spent their 
entire maried life on the farm home. 
Chester’s son Lewis, by a former mar- 
riage, lives on the old Gilson home- 
stead. He married Miss Joan DeVelde 
in 1950 and have two children. Edith 
was born May 24, 1938 in the same 
house her father was born. Nov. 22, 
1938 Chester lost his right arm in a 
shredder while at work at Otto Gilsons. 
Work has been hard but his hobby has 
been to fix and make things easier to 
work with one arm. They started an egg 
route in Gary in 1935 when they 
couldn’t sell any around here and have 
had it ever since, missing only a few 


deliveries because of bad weather, 
going every week. At one time there 
were 3 generations taking eggs. Edith 
married to Robert Young, Sept. 19, 
1959 and are living in their house on 
the corner of the farm. Until the death 
of Arthur and Mary, 4 generations 
(counting the 3 sons of Edith and Ro- 
bert) were living on the same farm. 


WINELAND FAMILY 


In April 1945, Gerald and Marjorie 
Wineland and daughter Judith Diane 
(born September 2, 1943) returned to 
northern Indiana. Gerald completed a 
wartime job, working as a welder in the 
Seneca, Illinois shipyard. 

May 1, 1945 the family moved to 
Hebron. May 28 another daughter, 
Nancy Lynn, was born. 


April 1946, they purchased and 
moved into the William Martin property 
on the east side of town. (This still re- 
mains the family home). In March 1948 
the family joined the Hebron Methodist 
Church. 


June 1948 Gerald joined the Pipefit- 
ters Association, Local Union 597. He 
worked as a welder and a pipefitter in 
construction work until his death. 


November 9, 1958 a son, John Den- 
nis, was born, May 1961 Judith grad- 
uated from Hebron High School. She 
married Cosmo Hernandez. She now 
lives in Valparaiso and has two sons. 
Later the same year Nancy married 
Larry Wilson. She now lives in Cedar 
Lake and has three daughters and one 
son. June 1967 John was baptized and 
became a member of the Hebron Chris- 
tian Church. In September 1968 Ger- 
ald and Marjorie were baptized and be- 
came members also. 


April 1971 Marjorie opened the 
“Wineland Accounting and Tax Ser- 
vice’ office in her home at 505 East 
Sigler Street in Hebron. 


June 1974, John received the rank 
of Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of 
America. 

February 18, 
away. 


1975 Gerald passed 


At the present time John lives at 
home with his mother. He is a senior 
at Hebron High School. He plans to at- 
tend college after graduation. 


WANDA WINKLER FAMILY 


My family has lived in Porter Coun- 
ty all their lives. My Mother and Fath- 
er, Harold and Carlyn were both born 
in Porter County in January 1943. | 
was born in August 1964. My brother, 
Wayne in March 1968 and my sister, 
Anna was born in November 1969. 


My Grandfather and Grandmother 
Winkler have lived in Porter County all 
of their married life. And my Grandfath- 
er and Grandmother Cannon were born 
and raised in Kouts. 


My Great Grandfather Maul was a 
basket and furniture maker in Kouts. 
He made them of reeds. My Great 
Grandfather Peters had a blacksmith 
shop in Kouts for years. 


JALYN M. WISE 


My name is Jalyn M. Wise. | am 10 
years old. My father’s name is Charles 
M. Wise. He is 32. My Father was born 
in Michigan and came to Porter County 
looking for work. My mother’s name is 
Judith E. Wise (Jones). She is 27 years 
old. My mother was born and raised in 
Porter County. She and her family have 
lived in Porter County all their lives. 
I’m the oldest of the children. | was 
born in Porter County Memorial Hospi- 
tal and lived in Porter County ever 
since. My brother Charles W. Wise is 9 
years old. He too was born in Porter 
County Memorial Hosiptal. After my 
Mom and Dad were married, we have 
lived in Porty County ever since. 


WISTRAND FAMILY 


Mr. August Wistrand, born in Stock- 
holm, Sweden, was one of Baillytown’s 
earliest settlers. He came there in 1850 
and built a small two-level home, di- 
rectly behind the present Goodfellow 
Camp. There he lived with his brother 
Johan Wistrand. Their mother, Kathe- 
rine Wistrand, born in Sweden in 1788, 
came over to live with them. She passed 
away in 1869 and is buried in the Bur- 
strom Cemetery. 

August Wistrand was a Civil War 
Veteran. Inasmuch as he was a neigh- 
bor of Joseph Bailey, he would trade 
freshly butchered pork for maple sap 
obtained from trees surrounding the 
Bailly Homestead. 

In 1865 August Wistrand married 


Charlotte Petersson, born in Jonkoping, 
Sweden in 1835. To this union three 


daughters, namely Augusta, Marie 
(died at young age) and Anna were born 
in the Wistrand home. 

Anna related how she was greatly in- 
fluenced by her Aunt and Uncle, name- 
ly, Lovisa and Frederick Burstrom, who 
lived just a short field from them. Mr. 
Burstrom was a leader in the commun- 
ity. Anna recalled how when she was a 
child, she assisted her Uncle, as he per- 
formed a service, typical in those times, 
of ‘‘Blood-Letting’”’ the residents in the 
area who might be suffering from high 
blood pressure. 

Five of the Wistrand relatives were 
among others who were buried in the 
Indian Cemetery; in approximate year 
1875-76, they were moved to the Bur- 
strom Cemetery. 

The neighborhood felt the need for a 
place of worship and a school on the 
cemtery grounds. So Frederick Bur- 
strom, who had a shed on his property 
decided to move it down the present 
Oak Hill Road and across to the foot of 
the hill in the Burstrom Cemetery. A 
Bell tower was added to the shed and 
the structure became known as the 
Burstrom Chapel. Anna and Augusta at- 
tended six years of Grammar School in 
the Chapel. Here they studied T. S. 
Pinneo’s Analytical Grammar of the 
English language. 

In 1901 Anna Wistrand was married 
to Victor Charlson of Baillytown at the 
Augsburg Lutheran Church of Porter 
and to this union 7 children were born 
in the old Wistrand home, namely, Vin- 
cent (passed away in infancy), Alvin 
Charlson, Elvera (Mrs. Roy L. Peterson) 
passed away in 1947, Eleanor (Mrs. 
J. Irvin Benson), Edith (Mrs. George 
Martinson), Dr. Vernon R. Charlson and 
Marian (Mrs. Evar Edquist). 


177 


178 


WITHALL FAMILY 


The Valparaiso Metal Company at 
359 S. Franklin St. was founded in 
1935 by the late Albert Withall. Present 
officers are Mr. Max Withall, President, 
Mr. Philip M. Chez and Mr. Ira D. Chez. 
Mrs. Albert Withall (Bessie) lives at 704 
E. Jefferson Street in Valparaiso. Her 
daughter is Mrs. Philip M. (Muriel) 
Chez. Grandsons of Mr. and Mrs. Al- 
bert Withall are Ira D. Chez and Michael 
G. Chez. 


THE KENNETH MELVIN WOOD 
FAMILY 


Kenneth M. Wood was born in 1937 
at Hobbs, New Mexico, son of Kenneth 
W. and Waide Minerva Wood. Mariann 
Wood was born in 1936 at Hammond, 
Indiana, daughter of Paul E. and Mar- 
tha De Armitt. Kenneth and Mariann 
met in Colorado in 1957 and were 
married at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 
Valparaiso, in 1959. Kenneth joined 
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. in 
1961. Previously, he had worked for 
Walsh Construction and also in the oil 
fields. He served three years in the 
Army in the mid-fiftys. He has served 
on the Valparaiso Police Dept. since 
the early 1960’s as a special officer 
and is also a police firearms instructor. 
He holds the position of Quality Assur- 
ance engineer for Nipsco. 

Mariann came to Valparaiso from 
Ft. Wayne, Indiana, with the De Armitt 
family in 1950 and has lived here 
since, with the exception of almost a 
year after her marriage when she and 
Kenneth lived in Kimball, Nebraska. 
She graduated from Valparaiso High 
School, worked in the registrar’s office 
at Valparaiso University for a year and 
for five years was dental assistant and 
receptionist for Dr. R. O. Johnson, 
D.D.S. She is a member of Christ 
Lutheran Church. 

Kenneth and Mariann Wood have 
three daughters: Jennifer Ann, born in 
1962; Rebecca Gaye, born in 1967; 
Melissa Jean, born 1969. 

The family moved from town to 
Washington Highlands Subdivision in 
Washington Township in 1973. 


CHARLES L. WORDEN FAMILY 


Charles L. Worden, son of David E. 
Worden and Wilma M. (Beach), grand- 
son of Vernon L. Beach, was born No- 
vember 3, 1942 in Valparaiso, Indiana. 
He attended Central Elementary and 
Junior High Schools, and Valparaiso 
High School, graduating in 1960. He 
attended Indiana University and gradu- 
ated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science 
in Marketing. 

On March 20, 1965 he married Mar- 
ian (Pulver) Worden, daughter of Rob- 
ert E. and Ruth (Carlson) Pulver. Mar- 
ian was born on April 16, 1943 in La- 
fayette, Indiana and moved to Valpa- 
raiso in 1945. She went to Gardner 
Grade School. She attended Junior High 
in New York and the American High 
School, Manila, Philippines, graduating 
in 1961. Returning to Valparaiso, Mrs. 
Worden graduated from Valparaiso Uni- 
versity in 1965. 

The Wordens have two daughters, 
Patricia Lynn, born December 15, 1966 
and Carole Michelle, born December 
22, 1969. Both girls attend Cooks Cor- 
ners Elementary School. 

Chuck was associated with the Ox- 
ford Shoppe from 1965-1970 when he 
joined Wiggins Real Estate as a Broker. 
He is currently office manager for the 
firm. The Wordens are members of First 
United Methodist Church where Chuck 
is chairman of the Commission of Fi- 
nance. Chuck is also a Valparaiso City 
Councilman. 


WUNDER FAMILY 


Steve Wunder and Pearl Wunder and 
daughter Dorothy Cota. We came to 
Jackson Center in 1942. We bought the 
Ben Wood estate and farmed it. Our 
daughter attended Jackson Center 
School and graduated from there. We 


have 4 grand children, Leslie Jardine, 
a professor of nuclear science of Down- 
ers Grove, Illinois; Karen Sue Parrett 
of Valparaiso; Jerry and Roger of Mich- 
igan City. One great granddaughter of 
Downers Grove. We had our share of 
bad luck. Lost a hog house, granary 
and chicken coop in a fire, and a few 
years later we lost our home which 
burned to the ground. We rebuilt on the 
same location. Mrs. Wunder worked for 
McGills for 11 years. After staying 
home for 2 years, she went to work at 
Beatty Memorial Hospital in Westville 
and worked there for 12 years. We both 
retired and are enjoying ourselves. We 
celebrated our 50th anniversary Sep- 
tember 27, 1974, with our family. Mr. 
Wunder was employed by Hunding 
Dairy for 22 years before we came 
here from Chicago. We think Jackson 
Center is the most beautiful place and 
hope to stay here for the rest of our 
time. 


CHARLES YARBER FAMILY 


Mr. and Mrs. Charles Yarber (Shir- 
ley) have five children, four daughters 
and one son, Pamela attending Camp- 
bellsville College, Campbellsville, Ken- 
tucky majoring in music. Gayle, senior 
at Chesterton High School. Valerie, 
freshman at Chesterton High School. 
Garry, seventh grade at Liberty Middle 
School. Melody, fourth grade at Liber- 
ty Elementary. We moved here from 
Portage nine years ago. 

My husband works at National Tube 
in maintenance. We are in_partner- 
ship business of Chicken Unlimited in 
Hammond, Indiana. 


CHARLES A. YOUNG 


Charles A. Young (popularly known 
as ‘“‘Chick’’) has been on the Chester- 
ton scene for many years as a business- 
man and civic leader. The son of 
Charles H. and Sadie (Herrold) Young 
he was born on April 29, 1903 in La- 
Porte County where his grandfathers 
were early pioneers arriving from Ohio 
by covered wagon. 

He first came to Chesterton in 1923 
and had various employments until 
starting in a battery trade about 1929 
and opening his own shop during 1931. 
The year 1933 saw his acquisition of 
the Sinclair Service Station on the cor- 
ner of Grant and Calumet in town. In 
1950 his business had a major expan- 
sion by completely rebuilding the sta- 
tion. For various years after that he 
was associated with his business until 
semi-retirement in 1961. Besides his 
self-employment, Mr. Young was a 
school bus driver between 1935 and 
1963 in and around Chesterton. 

During the last twenty-five years 
civic activities have taken up a large 
part of his life. For many years he was 
a member of the volunteer fire depart- 
ment and once served as the assistant 
chief for that organization. He was 
chairman of Merchant's Day activities 
during the Chesterton Centennial of 
1952 and from 1953-1954 served as 
president of the Chesterton Retail Mer- 
chants Association. 

By 1955 he was politically involved 
with the Chesterton community as a 
deputy assessor. In 1958 he ran for 
an unsuccessful bid as county commis- 
sioner during the Republican primary. 


Another political bid, however, proved 
successful when in 1967 he ran for the 
Chesterton Town Board and _ served 
from 1968-1972. 

On January 26, 1928 at Valparaiso 
he married Jeanette McClain of Chi- 
cago. They had two daughters; Shirley 
Jean who died in infancy and Elaine 
now Mrs. Wayne R. Dietz of Chesterton. 
Mrs. Young died in 1965 after a leng- 
thy illness. 


ROBERT L. YOUNG 


Robert Lee Young was born in Porter 
County, Valparaiso, Ind. on April 27, 
1933. He was the eldest child of Mrs. 
Laura Young and the late George W. 
Young. He graduated from Kouts High 
School in 1951 and soon after went to 
work for a car dealer in Valparaiso, 
Ind. He joined Bush Pontiac as parts 
manager in Feb. 1961, which is now 
Ron Gibson Pontiac, Valparaiso. He 
enjoys bowling, golfing and hunting 
and is a member of Moose Lodge in 
Valparaiso. On Sept. 19, 1959, he 
married Edith Louise Gilson at Trinity 
Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Ind. 
She was born in Porter County, Hebron, 
Ind. on May 24, 1938, the only daugh- 


ter of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Gilson. 
She was graduated from Hebron High 
School in 1956 and went to work for 
First National Bank of Valparaiso until 
1964. She enjoys sewing and is a 
member of Aylesworth Club. They re- 
sided on Erie St. in Valparaiso until 
1962 when they moved to their present 
home at Route 1, Hebron. They are 
the parents of three boys. Michael 
Lee was born in Valparaiso, Ind. on 
Feb. 23, 1961 and is a freshman at 
Hebron High School. He participates 
in baseball and basketball and enjoys 
swimming and bike riding. Scott Alan 
was born in Valparaiso, Ind. on Dec. 
24, 1965 and is a 4th grader at Heb- 
ron Elementary School. Scott enjoys 
all sports and played on summer base- 
ball league. David Arthur was born 
in Valparaiso, Ind. on June 11, 1961, 
and is a second grader at Hebron 
Elementary School. He enjoys helping 
Grandpa on the farm and also collects 
license plates. They are members of 
Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. 


DONALD P. ZANDI FAMILY 


We are Donald P. and Phyllis C. 
Zandi, R.R. 6 Horn Rd. Valparaiso, 
Indiana, and our two sons are Robert 
W. and David P., our daughter-in-law 
is Diana R., married to Robert, is the 
daughter of Russel and Pauline Lain, 
1705 Beulah Vista Dr. Valparaiso, Ind. 
We originated in Illinois, Don born in 
So. Wilmington, Ill. and Phyllis in 
Bloomington, Ill. Both our sons were 
born in Gary Methodist Hospital, Bob 
being 22 years old, David 20 years 
old, raised and educated in Valparaiso, 
Diana, 22 years old, born and raised 
in Valparaiso, Diana attended Bail 
State Univ. Muncie where she grad- 
uated in 1975 in elementary Educa- 
tion, Bob is currently in his 5th year, 
School of Architecture. David is at- 
tending Indiana U. Bloomington and is 
a junior pre-dental student. All three 
children graduated from Valparaiso, 
High School. Phyllis and Don attended 
Illinois Wesleyan Univ., Bloomington, 
Ill. Don graduating in 1950, a member 
of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and 
Phyllis a member of Sigma Kappa so- 
rority. We are members of the First 
Methodist Church of Valparaiso, Ind. 


We came to Valparaiso, in 1953, 
coming from Gary where Don worked 
as a claims adjustor since 1950. In 
1959 Don joined R. W. Pool Co. Inc. 
(ex Pool-Arnold Co.) and is currently 
Vice President of the firm. 


ZIMMERMAN FAMILY 


Englebert Zimmerman, son of Engel- 
bert and Ada (Longshore) Zimmerman, 
was born September 15, 1907 in Val- 
paraiso, Indiana. His father was a 
member of the Editorial department of 
the Vidette-Messenger. His paternal 
grandfather Englebert Zimmerman, 
started the Valparaiso Messenger news- 
paper on the 7th of March, 1871. His 
maternal grandfather, John A. Long- 
shore, was of a family of builders who 
built many of the larger buildings and 
fine homes in the early days of the city. 
In ihs later years he was employed by 
the U.S. Post Office. 

Englebert graduated from Valparaiso 
University Law School in 1929, in the 
Great Depression. After being Adver- 
tising Manager for the Vidette-Messen- 
ger, Editor of the Porter County Herald, 
Deputy County Clerk, he became a 


179 


180 


partner of Judge Mark Rockwell in the 
Porter County Abstract Co. He was 
president of this company until it was 
sold to the Pioneer Title Co. He then 
practiced Law with offices in the First 
Federal Savings and Loan Assoc., also 
acting as their attorney. 

On September 15, 1828 he married 
Frances Stappenbeck of Slinger, Wis- 
consin. Her parents, Henry and Amy 
(Balcom) Stappenbeck came from Ut- 
ica, New York to attend Valparaiso Uni- 
versity, where Henry graduated from 
the Pharmacy School in 1904. 

Engelbert and Frances had three 
children: Robert Gene, born October 9, 
1929. Married Helen Miller, of Val- 
paraiso, in 1952. They had two sons, 
Jeffry Steven, born July 4, 1953; Mar- 
tin John, born March 8, 1956. Robert 
retired as Lt. Col. from the U.S. Air 
Force in 1975. He was also a graduate 
of Valparaiso Law School; Alan, born 
February 11, 1934 graduated from 
Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, also 
attended school in Fontanblieu, France. 
He served in Germany for two years 
with the U.S. Army. He was owner of 
the Alan J. Zimmerman, Interiors firm; 


Carol Ann, born September 1, 1938. 
Married William Griffin, of Valparaiso, 
September 20, 1958. They both at- 
tended Indiana University where Wil- 


liam graduated in 1958. After serving 
in the U.S. Air Force, he was employed 
by 1.B.M. They had four children; 
Kimberly Ann, born August 21, 1959; 
Pamela Sue, born June 26, 1961; Wii- 
liam David Jr., born September 23, 
1966; Michael Englebert, born January 
6, 1970. 


KRIS ZIMMERMAN 


My name is Kris Zimmerman, I’m 11 
years old. | live in Kouts with my fam- 
ily of four. My sister’s name is Beth 
she is 14. My dad’s name is Joe he 
is 36. My Mom’s name is Carolyn she 
is 35. | used to have a brother but he 
died when he was 3. He would be 17 
now. Our last name is Zimmerman. 

Our family has lived in Porter Coun- 
ty for one year. We used to live in 
Pennsylvania. We moved to Porter 
County because my Dad found a good 
job so now he works in Chicago. 

| liked Pennsylvania better than In- 
diana because Pennsylvania has moun- 
tains and | like mountains, also | had 
more friends there and that’s where all 
my relatives live. 


TERRY W. DIETZ 


Terry W. Dietz born April 23, 1950 
in Valparaiso, Indiana has lived most 


of his life in Chesterton. The son of 
Wayne R. and Elaine (Young) Dietz, 
he was educated in the public schools 
and graduated from Chesterton High 
School in 1968. He also holds an Asso- 
ciate of Arts degree (1970) from Glen 
Oaks Community College, Centreville, 
Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree 
in history (1972) from St. Joseph's Col- 
lege at Rensselaer, Indiana. 


For ten years he has been a member 
of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Ar- 
chives Committee which has estab- 
lished a historical record of that con- 
gregations development. During the 
past two years he has been a member 
of the Porter County Bicentennial Com- 
mittee and chairman of its Historical 
Research Project. 

Presently, Mr. Dietz is on the faculty 
of Jefferson High School at Lafayette, 
Indiana and teaches in the Social 
Studies Department. His professional 
affiliations include the Organization of 
American Historians and the National 
Education Association. He is also the 
author of Chesterton and Porter of the 
Twentieth Century which is contained 
in this book. 


MESSAGE FROM KEITH REINERT, CHAIRMAN 


HISTORY BOOK COMMITTEE AND ARBC BOARD MEMBER 


As a member of the Valparaiso Rotary Club, | was asked to attend a 
special meeting to help establish a Porter County Bicentennial Commit- 
tee with the ultimate aim of celebrating our country’s 200th birthday. 
George Neeley, a local businessman, contacted me along with G. Warren 
Phillips, the former Superintendent of Schools. These men of the Rotary 
Club and | attended the first meeting which helped to form the Bicen- 
tennial Committee. 


With the help of Charles McGill, who offered the use of his conference 
room at the Valparaiso Plant, the committee formed, and grew, and 
developed the many activities which the Porter County people enjoyed 
during 1976 and will enjoy in the future. 

We, United States Americans, can be very proud of having been a 
part of the 200th year Celebration of the existance of a government that 
proves freedom is the essence for the ultimate accomplishment of man. 


Keith L. Reinert 


History Book Committee Chairman 


f 


(Father) 


(Brothers and Sisters) 


(Grandfather) _ 


(Uncles and Aunts) 


(Grandmother) 


(Uncles and Aunts) 


(Great-Grandparents) 


OUR ANCESTORS 


(Husband) 
(Wife) 
(Mother) (Father) 
(Mother) 
(Brothers and Sisters) 
(Grandmother) (Grandfather) 
(Grandmother) 
(Uncles and Aunts) 
(Grandfather) (Grandfather) 


(Grandmother) 


(Uncles and Aunts) 


(Great-Grandparents) 


181 


182 


Sons: 


Their Wives: 


Our Grandchildren: 


Ls 


(spouse) | 


2. 


(spouse) 


3. 


(spouse) 


eee - ; 7 


(spouse) 


Our Great-Grandchildren: 


(spouse). 


 _———— 


(spouse) 


3. 


(spouse) 


4,00 


(spouse) 


Our Great-Great-Grandchildren: 


(spouse) 


z. 


(spouse) 


a. 


(spouse) 


4. 


(spouse) 


OUR 


(spouse) _ 


2. : — 


(spouse) 


3. paren 


(spouse) 


4.. ee. 


(spouse) 


~~ Ghee 


le 


| 
| 


| 
_DESCENDANTS 


Daughters: 


Their Husbands: 


e} 
; 
Our Grandchildren: 
[(\ a 
(spouse) 
ae 
——— oo 
(spouse) 
(spouse) : 
} 
4 
(spouse) — 
| Our Great-Grandchildren: 
A 
F 
i _ 
rf 
Our Great-Great-Grandchildren: 
y 
¥ 


(spouse) 


ra 


(spouse) 


a 


(spouse) 


As 


(spouse) 


(spouse) 


a 


(spouse) 


3. 


(spouse) 


4. 


(spouse) 


(spouse) 


a eee 


(spouse) 


3. 


(spouse) 


4. 


(spouse) 


IM 


ee 


. GEN 977.298 BIOG 
' American Revolution 


OUNTY 


13 021 


(HEGRE 4 


i 0 


il 


0431 


7 107° 


Bicentennial Committee of 


A biographical history, 
fonts 


diamna 


LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 
INDIANA 


B1OG 


9772298 


76 


Ws 2 
20200 


BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY — PORTE 


AD 
AV 
BO 
CL 
DY 
EG 


THIS BOOK IS RENEWABLE BY PHONE OR IN PERSON IF THERE IS NO RESERVE 


» WAITING OR FINE DUE. 


—— i 


_ 


LCP #0390 


ll. ji 


TSOPBOOKS 


san angelo. texas 


| 
B, 
1